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Reminiscences of Cao K. O : oral history, 2002 .

Creator: O, Cao K., 1963-
Project: The September 11, 2001 response and recovery oral history project.
(see all project interviews)
Phys. Desc. :transcript 44 pages sound recordings 2 audio discs (132 min.) : digital ; 3 in.
Location: Columbia Center for Oral History
Full CLIO record >>

Biographical Note

Executive Director, Asian Americans for Equality.

Scope and Contents

Born and raised in Saigon, Vietman, refugee at end of the war; education: MA in social work and post-graduate studies in social policy; career: State Office of Mental Health in Albany, United Way of New York City, Asian American Federation of New York since 1990; pre-9/11 Asian American Federation: enhancing quality of life, supporting community, public policy, research, office location East Wall Street; post 9/11: difficulty getting downtown, dust, depressing atmosphere, witnessing remaining facade of one of the towers; post 9/11Asian American federation: unprepared for emergency, chaos, coordinating with other agencies and services, intermediary role--connecting individuals with resources, offering seperate funds, facilitating processes, locating missing gaps, relocating in Queens, media, continuing struggles--funding, stress, time pressure; documentation: understanding needs, reports on mental health impact, Chinatown report, seeking funding, grant from McCormick Tribune Foundation in Chicago; donations; World Trade Center Fund, families of victims, Taxi Workers Alliance, UNITE [Union of Needle Trades Industrial and Textile Employees], the Greater Blouse, Skirt and Undergarment Association, workers above Canal Street; Chinatown: Canal Street as dividing line--bias against Chinatown, fundraising; anti-Asian backlash: AALDF [Asian American Legal Defense Fund], civil rights violations.

Subjects

Access Conditions

Copyright by The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, 2006. Permission required to cite, quote, and reproduce. Contact repository for information.

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