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Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA)
The Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans is a non-profit organization staffed solely by volunteers working together to build a sense of community among the tri-state area's Asian Pacific Americans. General meetings are held once a month where we plan logistics, set policy and eat. The meetings last for about one and half hours and the board members represent a wide range of ages, professions and cultural backgrounds.
In 1979, the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week was proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter. Following this was the creation of the Coalition of Asian Pacific American Associations, organized to: promote cooperation and understanding among Americans of Asian Pacific descent and among their representative organizations; foster friendship among Americans of Asian Pacific descent and others in the community; promote, represent, and advocate the interests of Asian Pacific American communities; and provide a conducive environment for encouraging Asian Pacific Americans to utilize their history, culture and art to foster self-esteem and respect for their heritage.
The Coalition established as its principal activity the celebration of an annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival during the first week of May, now expanded to Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by President George Bush. In 1994, the Coalition changed its name to Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA) to reflect the growth of the organization which is comprised of unaffiliated individuals in addition to representatives of Asian Pacific American organizations.
The Heritage Festival is held on the first Sunday of May and is a unique event in New York City, bringing together various Asian Pacific American organizations and individuals to celebrate Asian America. The Festival provides a stage for creative expression, a venue for community organizations to share their services, and exposure to thousands of individuals in one day. Programs include a Performance Stage, Martial Arts Exhibitions, A Children's Fair, A Historical Exhibit, A Mini-Film Festival and Information Booths from over a hundred organizations. Attendance ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 people. The festival is free.
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