OCA - Orange County Chapter

Washington DC—OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, economic, and political well-being of Asian Pacific Americans, is proud to welcome the new Lunar New Year postal stamp series released today by the United States Postal Service. The new series was designed by Chinese-American illustrator Kam Mak, and begins with a stamp dedicated to the Year of the Rat, the first animal in the lunar zodiac.

Inspired by OCA Georgia member Jean Chen, in the 1990s, OCA led a national advocacy campaign to petition the USPS to issue a stamp honoring Chinese Americans. In 1992, the USPS issued the first commemorative stamp celebrating the Lunar New Year and the cultural heritage and contributions of Chinese Americans. When the first series expired in 2004, former OCA National President Claudine Cheng urged the USPS to continue the annual issuance in a new series.

“The Lunar New Year stamp was an OCA initiative that made history for Chinese Americans sixteen years ago and the launch of the new series is certainly wonderful news,” said Claudine Cheng, former OCA National President, “We are delighted that history is being unfolded again and that we will continue to see the celebration of our cultural heritage being part of the United States Postal Service commemorative stamp program.”

“We are excited that, through the recommitment of the United States Postal Service to the Lunar New Year stamp series, Asian Pacific Americans can share our cultural identity and heritage with all Americans,” said Ginny Gong, OCA National President, “Kam Mak’s vibrant artwork, depicting red lanterns which represent joyous celebration, is perfect for the occasion, and we look forward to the rest of the series.”