OCA Greater Cleveland – Making Waves in Seattle and Cleveland: A Film and Discussion
By Wayne A. Wong, Executive V.P. OCA Greater Cleveland
OCA Greater Cleveland (OCAGC) proudly sent 14 members to the OCA National Convention in Seattle, Washington, where our chapter was honored with the “Outstanding Get Out the Vote Effort” award, alongside OCA Greater Houston. OCAGC also earned Second Place for Project of the Year for our pivotal role in organizing the Cleveland Asian Festival. As a founding organization and sponsor for all performances—including the Asian-Pop Dance Contest—our chapter helped make the festival a resounding success, drawing more than 45,000 attendees.
We also celebrated the achievements of our youth leaders and interns—Kayli Rego, Alex Boggs, Erica Boggs, and Lyndia Zheng—who were recognized at the Youth Luncheon for their contributions and leadership.
A highlight of the Seattle convention was the screening of Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America, directed by Jon Osaki. The film was so impactful that OCAGC organized the Ohio premiere on August 13, 2025, at Li Wah Restaurant. The screening was followed by a thoughtful panel discussion with Director Jon Osaki and a distinguished panel of educators: Dr. Stacey Diane Arañez Litam (Cleveland State University), Luling (Raina) Li (Shaker Heights Schools), and Ana Chapman (Honesty for Ohio Education), moderated by Wayne Wong, Executive VP of OCA Greater Cleveland.
An engaged audience of about 45 attendees watched this powerful documentary, which chronicles six decades of Asian American activism to secure ethnic studies in U.S. schools. The film highlights student- and teacher-led movements, community organizing, and political battles that challenged stereotypes and fought for the inclusion of AAPI history at both K–12 and university levels. Through personal stories and pivotal historical moments, Making Waves illustrates how ethnic studies has been a vital force for identity, representation, and social change.
Filmed from 2021 to its completion in February 2025, the documentary’s release is especially timely as DEI programs and ethnic studies face mounting challenges and bans across the country—including here in Ohio. 
