NghiaSinh Intl, Inc. sponsored AACC Lunar New Year Celebrations in 1989, 1997, and 2005. The following are outcomes of the three community events noted by Sadruddin Noorani.
6th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1989
1. Host: Vietnamese American Community
2. Sponsor: Nghia Sinh International, Inc.
3. Location: Holidays Inn O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
4. Theme: "Asian American Contributions to America"
6. Highlights: Asian American Coalition was incorporated on December 2, 1988. Return performance, "Together, The World Can Count on Us," preceded by workshop on "Asian Contributions to America" and followed by issue-oriented Asian American Forum. AACC motto, "Together, we’ll succeed" and AACC logo, consisting of a globe showing Asia and America straddling both sides of the Pacific, were adopted
7. Record Attendance: 1700
14th AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1997
1. Host: Vietnamese American Community
2. Sponsor: Nghia Sinh International, Inc.
3. Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont
4. Theme: "Unity in Diversity"
5. Vision: "Asian American 2000: Education, Economy and Ethnicity"
6. Highlights: The Grand Asian American Award was presented to the Hon. Jim Edgar, Governor of the State of Illinois. There was a day-long program with conferences on Immigration, Health Care, and Welfare Reform, workshops on Government Relations and Business Development, and forums on Community, Parents, and Interfaith Activities. The three distinguished keynote speakers were: The President of Northwestern University, Northeastern University, and the University of Chicago who shared their views on Education, Economy, and Ethnicity in the 21st Century. Proclamations from President Bill Clinton, Governor Jim Edgar, and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley were officially presented to the 1997 AACC host. The Vietnamese community handed over the AACC "Torch" to the next year's host of AACC, the Japanese community. Asian Americans from France, Canada, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and Washington D.C., came to attend the AACC conference and celebration
7. Record Attendance: 2000
22nd AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2005
1. Host: Vietnamese American Community
2. Sponsor: Nghia Sinh International, Inc.
3. Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
4. Theme: "APA Leadership is the Key"
5. Vision: "Asian Americans 2005: Preparing Future Leaders"
6. Highlights: There was a day-long program with a variety of seminars and festivities, including a conference, an interfaith forum, a thanksgiving celebration, a banquet and dance with the following AACC firstnesses:
> The 1st AACC “Youth Who Excel” Awards—CEO Arne Duncan
CEO Arne Duncan of the Chicago Board of Education addressed 500 Asian American educators and presented the first ever AACC “Youth Who Excel” awards to 18 outstanding Asian American youths for excellence in scholarship, service, and leadership
> The 1st U.S. Navy Band Performance—Captain George Thompson
The national anthem was performed by the U.S. Navy Band, lead by Captain George Thompson
> The 1st Mass of Thanksgiving Celebration—Bishop Lawrence Sabatini, C.S.
More than 500 Asian Americans attended a two-hour long Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by His Eminence Bishop Lawrence Sabatini, C.S.
> The 1st White House Representative—Director Joel Smith
A White House director presented a Presidential Proclamation signed by President George Bush at the AACC banquet
> The 1st Movie Star/Film Writer-Director—Tony Bui
Tony Bui was the keynote speaker at the AACC banquet
> The 1st Singer/Superstar of the Paris by Night Concerts--Thuy Tien
Singer Thuy Tien successfully lead the AACC dance programs
> The 1st Vietnamese Choir of Chicago—Renown music composer Joseph Thao
Dr. Joseph Thao conducted the Vietnamese Choir of Chicago for the Mass of Thanksgiving Celebration in the afternoon as well as the AACC cultural programs in the evening
> VIPs
Among the distinguished keynote speakers for morning, noon, afternoon, and evening sessions from Los Angeles, Chicago, Springfield, and Washington, D.C. were:
- Hon. Pat Quinn, Lt. Governor of Illinois
- Hon. Shinae Chun, Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Woman Affairs
- Dr. Barbara Radner, Director, DePaul University, Center for Urban Education
- Actor Tony Bui, Writer & Director of the academy award-winning film “Three Seasons”
> Guests from other states and nations
Asian Americans from France, Canada, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and Washington D.C., came to attend the AACC conference and celebration
> Changing Over Ceremony
The Vietnamese community handed over the AACC "Torch" to the next year's host of AACC, the Indonesian American Community.
7. Record Attendance: Over 1800
Banquet: 1500 tickets sold, conference: 500 registered participants, and dance: 300 tickets sold. More than 600 did not attend the banquet. However, they participated in the Mass of Thanksgiving, the AACC conference and dance program.
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A Brief History of the AACC
By SadruddinNoorani
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AACC VISION
The mission of the Asian American of Chicago (AACC) is to unite all Asian Americans into a significant force for strengthening the Asian American Community in the United States, enriching Asian cultural values, and recognizing the importance of Asian American contributions to the American democracy and economy.
AACC MISSION
The AACC mission is accomplished through:
1) Organized the Asian American Coalition of Chicago's Annual Lunar New Year Celebration
2) Conducting AACC forums and conferences;
3) Publishing Pan-Asian American materials; and
4) Providing opportunity for Asians of all ethnic groups and political parties to work together for the well-being of Asian American and all Americans.
AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
This event is held on this grand of a scale only once a year. The Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC)'s Annual Lunar New Year Celebration is the largest celebration of its type in the Midwest. Every year a different Asian community takes turn playing host, and this year it is the Pakistani American Community. This year's Host Community has twice before (in 1992 and 2000) held the gavel for this event, the community's most important event of the year.
The Asian American Coalition of Chicago sponsors both the annual Lunar New Year Celebration and the week-long Asian American Festival at Chicago's Richard J. Daley Center Plaza in May, during Asian American Heritage Month. This year's Host Community has twice before (in 1999 and 2007). Founded in 1983, the Coalition celebrates approximately 16 different cultures. Over the years, the Coalition has included representatives of the Bangladeshi, Burmese, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Malaysian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Thai and Vietnamese communities.
1st AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1984
• Host: Chinese American Community
• Sponsor: The Organization of Chinese Americans
• Location: White Eagle Banquet, Niles, Illinois
• Theme: Mission of the Asian American Coalition
• Highlights: Announcement by Illinois Governor James Thompson of creation of the Asian American Advisory Council to the Governor
• Attendance: 1500
In 1984, the Coalition also sponsored a public forum for then incumbent U.S. Senator Charles Percy and challenger Congressman Paul Simon for the 1984 Senatorial Election. Over 450 Asian Americans had first hand opportunity to hear both candidates present their views on national issues and on matters directly affecting the Asian American community
2nd AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1985
• Host: Korean American Community
• Sponsor: The Korean American Association of Chicago
• Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois
• Theme: Promoting Asian American civic participation
• Highlights: U. S. Senator Alan Dixon announced his intention to create an Asian American Advisory Committee to his office
• Attendance: 1050
During 1985, Chicago Mayor Harold Washington created the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Asian American Affairs. U.S. Senator Paul Simon also created an Asian American Advisory Committee after he was elected
3rd AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1986
• Host: Filipino American Community
• Sponsors:
- The American Filipino Professional Civic Alliance of Illinois
- The Medical Association of Chicago
• Location: Conrad Hilton Hotel, Chicago
• Theme: "The Spirit of Asian Americans"
• Highlights: An election year, an exciting and energetic program celebrating the year of the Tiger was well attended by both the Asian American Community and most of the candidates running for political office
• Attendance: 1000
In 1986, for the first time, Asian Americans were appointed as at-large delegates to the Democratic National Convention
4th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1987
• Host: Indian American Community of Illinois
• Location: White Eagle Banquet, Niles, Illinois
• Theme: Celebrating Asian American achievements
• Highlights: Held in conjunction with the Asian American Heritage Week Celebration in May. The dinner celebrated achievements and contributions of Asian Americans in Illinois. Chicago Mayor Harold Washington was the chief guest. The event included programs and projects, minority business seminars, an immigration workshop, a World Trade Conference, a directory of Asian American organizations, a medical assistance program, a tourism promotion for the Asian American community, corrective anti-social programs, housing projects planning and a volunteer action program
• Attendance: 1000
5th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1988
• Host: Thai American Community
• Sponsor: The Thai Association of Greater Chicago
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Celebrate Asian Heritage: Envision New Horizons"
• Highlights: "Together, the World Can Count on Us." A contemporary unity song written especially for the Coalition, and later adopted as its theme song, debuted as opening musical number. It was performed by a cast and crew of 80 Asian American artists wearing colorful ethnic costumes
• Attendance: 1200
6th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1989
• Host: Vietnamese American Community
• Sponsor: Nghia Sinh International, Inc.
• Location: Holidays Inn O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Asian American Contributions to America"
• Highlights: Asian American Coalition was incorporated on December 2, 1988. Return performance, "Together, The World Can Count on Us," preceded by workshop on "Asian Contributions to America" and followed by issue-oriented Asian American Forum. AACC motto, "Together, we’ll succeed" and AACC logo, consisting of a globe showing Asia and America straddling both sides of the Pacific, were adopted
• Record Attendance: 1700
7th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1990
• Host: Japanese American Community
• Sponsor: The Chicago Japanese American Council
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Strength through Unity"
• Highlights: The importance of the 1990 Census was emphasized with a workshop preceding the gala; U.S. Rep Norman Mineta of California served as guest speaker
• Attendance: 1000
8th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1991
• Host: Chinese American Community
• Sponsors:
- Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
- Chinese American Civil Council
- Organization of Chinese Americans
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Together, We Can"
• Highlights: This celebration emphasized "Together, We Can," in many ways-from the special original opening musical drama, "Start with the Children" to the keynote address by Chancellor Chang-Lin Tien of the University of California, at Berkeley; from the community award presentation, to the non-partisan, cooperative voter registration drives in various Asian American communities sponsored by the Coalition
• Attendance: 1200
9th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1992
• Host: Pakistani American Community
• Location: Chicago Marriott Hotel
• Theme: "Making Visions Happen"
• Highlights: Several state and local dignitaries attended the banquet. Some of the prominent guests in attendance were the Chicago Mayor, Richard M. Daley, Senator Paul Simon, and Ms. Carol Mosley Braun. The emerging political presence of the Asian American community was evident in the fact that all four major media TV stations covered event, plus the major dailies. The first Pan Asian American Award and nine community service awards were also presented in which Bangladesh was introduced for the first time. Each member community presented colorful display of their own culture, which was greatly appreciated by the audience. In addition, a nice colorful 34 page program booklet was distributed to each guest. As in the past, the Asian American Coalition promoted Asian cultural and political awareness, particularly in the Chicago area. The entire detail of document along with structure and task list was presented to host of 1993 Lunar Year Celebration, the Korean community
• Attendance: Over 1200
10th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1993
• Host: Korean American Community
• Sponsor: Korean American Association of Chicago
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "A Decade of Progress: Making Our Voices Heard"
• Highlights: An exciting and energetic program celebrating the Year of the Rooster. Keynote address was given by U.S. Congressman Jay Kim of California
• Attendance: Over 1000
11th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1994
• Host: Filipino American Community
• Location: Holidays Inn O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Asian Americans Together, a New Decade of Progress"
• Highlights: Keynote address was given by Maryland General Assembly Hon. David Valderrama. The First Grand Asian Award was presented to U.S Senator Paul Simon, in honor of his contributions to the Asian American Community
• Attendance: 1200
12th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1995
• Host: Indian American Community
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont
• Theme: "Strengthening the Coalition"
• Highlights: To mark its twelfth anniversary, the Coalition joined forces with Polychrome Publishing to create Children of Asian America, a book of original Asian American children's stories and photographs that celebrate the unity, cooperation and commitment fostered by the Coalition. The day-long program and projects included exhibition booths on cultural, industrial, trade, and political awareness for Asian Americans. In addition, proactive career planning sessions were presented by both the IRS and the EPA officers
• Attendance: 1000
13th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1996
• Host: Thai American Community
• Sponsor: The Thai Association of Greater Chicago
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Bridges for a Brighter Tomorrow"
• Highlights: Keynote address was given by the Hon. H.E. Nitaya Pibulsonggram, Ambassador of Thailand, based in Washington D.C. The Grand Asian American Award was presented to Hon. George H. Ryan, Secretary of State of Illinois, farewell tribute was given to the Hon. Paul Simon, U.S. Senator
• Attendance: 1300
14th AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1997
• Host: Vietnamese American Community
• Sponsor: Nghia Sinh International, Inc.
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont
• Theme: "Unity in Diversity"
• Vision: "Asian American 2000: Education, Economy and Ethnicity"
• Highlights: The Grand Asian American Award was presented to the Hon. Jim Edgar, Governor of the State of Illinois. There was a day-long program with conferences on Immigration, Health Care, and Welfare Reform, workshops on Government Relations and Business Development, and forums on Community, Parents, and Interfaith Activities. The three distinguished keynote speakers were: The President of Northwestern University, Northeastern University, and the University of Chicago who shared their views on Education, Economy, and Ethnicity in the 21st Century. Proclamations from President Bill Clinton, Governor Jim Edgar, and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley were officially presented to the 1997 AACC host. The Vietnamese community handed over the AACC "Torch" to the next year's host of AACC, the Japanese community. Asian Americans from France, Canada, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and Washington D.C., came to attend the AACC conference and celebration
• Record Attendance: 2000
15th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1998
• Host: Japanese American Community
• Sponsor: The Chicago Japanese American Council
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont
• Theme: "Creating an Asian American Mosaic"
• Highlights: The event included a political forum, giving of community service awards and entertainment was by Hiroshima. The Japanese American Community handed over the gavel to the next year's host community, the Chinese American community
• Attendance: 1200
FALL 1998 AACC CADIDATES FORUM
• Host: Chinese American Community
• Sponsor: The Asian American Coalition of Chicago
• Location: Chicago Hilton and Towers
• Theme: "The place to be"
• Highlights: The Asian American Coalition of Chicago proudly hosted the 1998 Candidates Forum, the first of its kind on a grand scale in Chicagoland. With AACC as an umbrella organization, the bipartisan event was sponsored by 35 different community organizations. All candidates for U.S. Senate, State Constitutional Offices, and Cook County Board President were invited. A seven-member community panel addressed the candidates on various issues of importance to the Asian American community. Voter registrations also took place on site
• Attendance: 500
16th AACC LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN 1999
• Host: Chinese American Community
• Sponsors:
- Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
- Chinese American Civil Council
- Organization of Chinese Americans
• Location: Chicago Hilton and Towers
• Theme: "Many Voices, One Vision"
• Highlights: Featured performance was "Sayonara, Ms. Saigon,” a musical parody on Asian American stereotypes from stage and screen, which starred the 60-member strong 1999 Asian American Coalition artists. The highlight of the event was a presentation of an original musical power ballad written especially for the Coalition for this event, "Many Voices, One Vision," which featured music and lyrics by Keith Uchima
• Attendance: 1300
17th AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2000
• Host: Pakistani American Community
• Location: Navy Pier, Chicago
• Theme: "Asian Americans: Reach Out and Be Counted"
• Highlights: Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced the creation of an Asian American Advisory Council to his office and appointed an Asian American liaison. Three major media anchors and reporters emceed the gala. More emphasis was placed on food, entertainment, stage, and decor, as well as on a colorful program book. All of the 1800 guests and participants received handmade Pakistani rugs. More than 150 organizing community members received a “thank you” table clock with AACC logo on it. The Pakistani American Community handed over the gavel to the next year's host, the Korean American Community
• Attendance: Over 1800
Since 2000 was an election year, dozens of politicians from Cook County -- U.S. congressional candidates and State constitutional officers -- spoke at the forum. More than 12 government service providing agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Bureau of Census displayed pamphlets and brochures at the AACC event. Other non-profit organizations and business corporations also participated in this year’s event.
The importance of the 2000 census was emphasized with a workshop preceding the gala. The political forum was followed by a dinner, musical and cultural programs with a segment by Actor Pat Morita. Community Service awards were given in which the Cambodian and Nepalese honorees were introduced for the first time. Among dignitaries in attendance were the Asian consular corp., elected and appointed government officials, top business and corporate leaders, and Chicago's major media outlets.
18th AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2001
• Host: The Korean American Community, The Korean American Association of Chicago
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Shining Light in the New Millennium."
• Attendance: 1100
19th AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2002
• Host: The Filipino American Community
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Synergy Through the Winds of Change".
• Highlights: In November 2001, the Coalition also sponsored an Inter-Religious Prayer Service for World Peace and in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 tragedy and their families. In addition to the presentation of the various awards, the AACC founders were recognized.
• Attendance: 1100
20th AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2003
• Host: The Indian American Community
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Many Voices, One Vision".
• Highlights: The Grand Asian Award was presented to State Treasurer, Judy Baar Topinka and Friend of the Asian American Community to Roger Claar, Mayor of Bolingbrook.
• Attendance: 1150
21st AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2004
• Host: The Thai American Community
• Sponsor: The Thai American Association of Illinois
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Strengthen Our Unity"
• Highlights: Musical Performances: "Getting to Know You" and "America, the Beautiful" by AACC Choir. Keynote address by the Hon. H. E. Sakthip Krairiksh, ambassador of Thailand to the United States.
• Attendance: 1200
22nd AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2005
• Host: Vietnamese American Community
• Sponsor: Nghia Sinh International, Inc.
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "APA Leadership is the Key"
• Vision: "Asian Americans 2005: Preparing Future Leaders"
• Highlights: There was a day-long program with a variety of seminars and festivities, including a conference, an interfaith forum, a thanksgiving celebration, a banquet and dance with the following AACC firstnesses:
The 1st AACC “Youth Who Excel” Awards—CEO Arne Duncan
• CEO Arne Duncan of the Chicago Board of Education addressed 500 Asian American educators and presented the first ever AACC “Youth Who Excel” awards to 18 outstanding Asian American youths for excellence in scholarship, service, and leadership
The 1st U.S. Navy Band Performance—Captain George Thompson
• The national anthem was performed by the U.S. Navy Band, lead by Captain George Thompson
The 1st Mass of Thanksgiving Celebration—Bishop Lawrence Sabatini, C.S.
• More than 500 Asian Americans attended a two-hour long Mass of Thanksgiving, celebrated by His Eminence Bishop Lawrence Sabatini, C.S.
The 1st White House Representative—Director Joel Smith
• A White House director presented a Presidential Proclamation signed by President George Bush at the AACC banquet
The 1st Movie Star/Film Writer-Director—Tony Bui
• Tony Bui was the keynote speaker at the AACC banquet
The 1st Singer/Superstar of the Paris by Night Concerts--Thuy Tien
• Singer Thuy Tien successfully lead the AACC dance programs
The 1st Vietnamese Choir of Chicago—Renown music composer Joseph Thao
• Dr. Joseph Thao conducted the Vietnamese Choir of Chicago for the Mass of Thanksgiving Celebration in the afternoon as well as the AACC cultural programs in the evening
Among the distinguished keynote speakers for morning, noon, afternoon, and evening sessions from Los Angeles, Chicago, Springfield, and Washington, D.C. were:
• Hon. Pat Quinn, Lt. Governor of Illinois
• Hon. Shinae Chun, Director, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Woman Affairs
• Dr. Barbara Radner, Director, DePaul University, Center for Urban Education
• Actor Tony Bui, Writer & Director of the academy award-winning film “Three Seasons”
The Vietnamese community handed over the AACC "Torch" to the next year's host of AACC, the Indonesian American Community. Asian Americans from France, Canada, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and Washington D.C., came to attend the AACC conference and celebration
• Record Attendance: Over 1800 (Banquet: 1500 tickets sold, conference: 500 registered participants, and dance: 300 tickets sold. More than 600 did not attend the banquet. However, they participated in the Mass of Thanksgiving, the AACC conference and dance program).
23rd AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2006
• Host: The Indonesian American Community
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Unity in Diversity"
• Highlights: Indonesian community hosted the AACC dinner for the first time. Among the distinguish guest were the Ambassadors of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States, the Hon. H. E. Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat. A new contemporary Indonesian dance was specially created by Gusti Ngurah Kertayuda and the first unity rhythm dance was choreographed by Leah Tehan with community representative performers.
• Attendance: 900
24th AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2007
• Host: The Chinese American Community
• Sponsors: Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Chinese American Civic Council of Chicago, Chinese American Service League, Inc., Chinese Mutual Aid Association and the Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc., Greater Chicago Chapter
• Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "Roar with the Boar".
• Highlights: Keynote speaker was Ms. Lisa Ling, Correspondent, National Geographic Channel. A unity performance "Our Silk Road" was presented by Marc Rita, Director and Kelly Uchima, Lead Soloist.
25th AACC LUNAR YEAR CELEBRATION IN 2008
• Host: The Pakistani American Community
• Location: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois
• Theme: "The Dawn of New Asia"
• Highlights: The Pakistani American Community hosted the 9th Annual Asian American Festival for the 2nd time during the Asian Heritage Month in May 21-25, 2007. Over 1200 well wishers, including several dignitaries attended the event. Due to election year the political forum was exciting and was well received. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke was the keynote speaker, Chief Judge Timothy Evans of the Cook County Circuit Court received the Grand Asian American Award, and Chicago Children's Museum CEO Jim Law received the top Pan Asian American (Ping Tom Memorial) Award. Malaysian American community was inducted into the AACC. The Pakistani American Community handed over the AACC "Torch" to next year's host: The Korean American Community for Year 2009.
• Attendance: 1200
