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** OCA Remembers Founding Member William Tao
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

10 January 2020

Contact: Thu Nguyen | Senior Development Manager
202.223.5500 | [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Washington, DC – OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates remembers the legacy and leadership of founding member, Dr. William K.Y. Tao. Tao was a founding member of the League of Chinese Americans, which would then become a founding chapter of OCA (formerly Organization of Chinese Americans.)

Bill Tao was the “gluing agent” of the Chinese American community in St Louis in the decades of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and beyond. In the early years, Bill and Anne led the way by opening up their home and hosting social events to welcome other Chinese immigrants and professionals and to foster social and cultural unity. This was a major “safe haven” for many of those who had just arrived to this country and often with limited language skills and even less understanding of the American culture. It was an opportunity to socialize, exchange information, relax and make friends. For new arrivals to St. Louis, Bill and Anne’s hospitality provided a soft landing and made the transition and cultural assimilation a bit easier and quicker. These gatherings were the beginning of the formation of OCA in St. Louis in the years to come.

“Dr. William Tao had the profound vision and leadership to build the foundations for the Asian American community today,” said Ken Lee, OCA National CEO.

“Without Dr. Tao, OCA would not have been able to impact the over 22 million AAPIs in the U.S. that we do today, through our policy and programs,” said Sharon M. Wong, OCA National President. “However, we continue to work keeping in mind his example of always being hospitable and having open arms.”

OCA sends our deepest condolences to Dr. William Tao’s friends, family, and the St. Louis community.

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