K.L. Wang and Alex Mark founded the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) in 1973 to create a unified voice for Chinese Americans in the civil rights movement. The original three chapters in Washington D.C., Detroit, and St. Louis would grow into an organization with over 50 chapters and affiliates around the country. As the AAPI community continued to grow and diversify, OCA understood the importance to reflect the needs of the community.

 

In 2013, the organization rebranded to be OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates represent