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For Immediate Release February 10, 2004 Contact: Eleanor Lee 202-223-5500 OCA PASSES RESOLUTION IN PROTEST OF ‘CHINK’S STEAKS’ RESTAURANT Washington, DC - The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA), a national Asian Pacific American (APA) civil rights advocacy and educational organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates nationwide, passed a new resolution in support of changing the name of Chink’s Steaks, a restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at its recent board meeting on February 1, 2004. Chink’s Steaks is an over 50-year old cheese steak establishment in Philadelphia, named after its late owner, Samuel “Chink” Sherman. “Chink” was Sherman’s childhood nickname, given to him because of his “slanty eyes” which made him look like a “chink.” OCA’s Philadelphia chapter and partners have been participating in a campaign to change the name of the restaurant to one that is not derogatory to Asian Pacific Americans. “It is extremely offensive to OCA and to the Asian Pacific American community that in the year 2004, there are existing commercial establishments that use racist terms such as ‘chink,’” said Raymond Wong, OCA National President. “Perhaps over 50 years ago, the name ‘Chink’s Steaks’ would not have made such a big impact, but today, as a society, we are moving forward and putting behind us the use of words that denigrate an entire racial minority.” “OCA has always been involved in the mission to dispel negative stereotypes in order to present a more accurate and full picture of the APA community,” said Christine Chen, OCA Executive Director. “Thus, OCA and its chapters hope to educate the public about the harm caused by using racial slurs such as ‘chink,’ ‘jap’ or ‘chinaman.’” ### The Organization of Chinese Americans, a national civil rights organization with over 80 chapters and affiliates across the country, was founded in 1973 to ensure the civil rights of the Asian Pacific American community. It maintains its headquarters in Washington, D.C. |
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