Community Corner
41st Asian American Coalition of Chicago hosts a Gala with success
The largest Asian-American event in the Midwest, held in honor of the Year of the Dragon, was a black-tie affair organized by AACC.
On Saturday, February 10th, at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, the Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC), the oldest and most prestigious organization dedicated to diversity, held its 2024 Lunar New Year Gala. "Together for a Brighter Tomorrow" is the theme for this year. The black-tie celebration, which honors the Year of the Dragon, is the biggest Asian-American event in the Midwest.
Uniting all Asian groups under an umbrella cause is the AACC's fundamental objective. In the spirit of harmony and better comprehension, they seek to bring together individuals that have different origins and denominations.
The Lunar New Year Gala is hosted annually by a different member of the Asian community. The event is being hosted by the Japanese American community this year. The master of ceremonies for Fox TV's Joanie Lum and ABC 7 Chicago's Eric Horng was the annual gala.
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The occasion united the artistic and cultural expressions of multiple Asian nations.
At the Asian American Coalition of Chicago's annual Lunar New Year Celebration Gala, over a thousand people attended.
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Art exhibits and calligraphy activities kick off the celebration at 4:00 p.m. and continue throughout the evening until the Gala begins.
The visitors were brought into the dining hall at 6:30 p.m. by savage, gap-jawed lions, where the stage show began. Recipients of the awards included both outstanding members of the Asian communities represented at the function as well as individuals or organizations who are improving the reputation of Asian Americans. Numerous prominent elected figures showed up and greeted the audience, and the program concluded with cultural performance. Then food was delivered.
In a video message to the audience and the Asian community in Chicago, the Governor of Illinois, US Senators, the Illinois Secretary of State, the Mayor of Chicago, and numerous others wished them a happy new year for the Year of the Dragon.
Several artists graced the stage throughout the event, including lion dance routines, a Chinese instrumental arts demonstration, and a traditional iconic performance by a local performer. Amidst all of this, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a ceremony where they were awarded red envelopes holding small amounts of cash. One of the most well-known emblems of the Lunar New Year, these envelopes are intended to offer good fortune and wishes for the upcoming months.
At the celebratory gala, there was a reception and an exhibit booth. Awards, dinner, keynote speech, entertainment, and political forum. Lawmakers from Illinois, Asian diplomats, and business executives. Lunar New Year's Eve is hosted by a different Asian community every year. The community is made up of people from Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, China, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thai, and Vietnamese. Well-known community member Doug Nguyen served as this year's chairperson.
"Today in Chicagoland we bring joyful celebration to the community, preserve our cultural traditions and celebrate cultural diversity with faith base leaders and mainstream leaders in the Chicago area," stated Akihiko Shono, chair of the 41st Annual Lunar New Year Gala. "We educate and learn our spirits and civic services during this challenging time."
"Today, our community is excited to celebrate the Year of the Dragon and usher in new beginnings, luck, restraint, learning and prosperity for all Asians," remarked Megan Nakano.
Along with cultural performances from many Asian nations, the program started with the American Anthem and traditional dragon and lion dances.
Michael Chin, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, Byline Bank, received the highest honor from the Coalition, the Ping Tom Memorial Pan Asian American Award. The late, renowned Ping Tom, a Chicago civic leader and one of the AACC's founders, is honored with the Pan Asian American Award.
Justice Joy Cunningham of the Illinois Supreme Court received the Sandra Otaka Memorial Grand Asian American Award from the Coalition in honor of her enduring efforts to train and advance Asian and minority women attorneys. In honor of the late Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sandra Otaka, a non-Asian friend of the Asian American community receives the Grand Asian American Award.
