2010 Induction Ceremony Speech by NAAO President Channy Soeur

July 28, 2010

I am grateful for your presence here tonight. I have lived here long enough to actually witness astonishing transformations in our community, changes which many of you only experience as the way things are. The fact that you might have a different perspective is a very good thing, especially since it was radically worse, not so long ago.

The progress these eyes have witnessed should NOT go without saying, or escape examination because it can be the basis for the next steps. I think it is important that we stop long enough to review our successes, and our progress, not out of nostalgia, but as part of a process that can remind us who we are, where we have come from, where we want to go and perhaps even how to get there.

I can remember, for example, that when I was arriving in Austin in the summer of 1977. I visited my old friend Sywong Ngin who is sitting at that table over there. We both love to go out to eat. He took me out to a Chinese restaurant on Koenig Lane, just east of Lamar. It wasn’t very good. So I asked him, how many Asian restaurants are in this town? He said there are only two. Now there are many.

After I graduated from the school of engineering at UT Austin, I took a job with the City of Austin. The application package included an EEOC form that is optional for you to fill out. But it only listed White, Black, Hispanic and Other. So the three of us -Gopal Guthikonda, George Chang and I - visited, at the time, Council members Gus Garcia and Brigid Shea. We said that we needed to change the application form to include Asian as one of the groups. They agreed to help advise us. In fact, after we got organized both of them served as liaisons to the Asian community from the Council. About 10 of us got together and began to organize ourselves. Part of our hope was to prevent something like the LA riots from happening in Austin. We created a line of communication among ourselves. For some of us the history of our homeland pitches us against one another.

We started out with the Chinese, Filipinos, Indians, Vietnamese, and Cambodians. Then later we were joined by other groups. Today we have 15 organizations that are members of the Network. That was not that long ago. Since that time much has changed in this community. The change in attitudes, change in policies and the law that created the reality we enjoy today. This transformation was nothing less than a miracle. And so it is a tribute to all of you in this room tonight, that we witness tonight’s ceremony.

As the Network grew and became better organized, we were looking for something that we could do together as a community that would have city-wide impact in a positive manner. We came up with an idea to build an Asian American Resource Center. Basically the idea is to allow Asian Americans to bring forth the best of their culture and be part of this community.

We want to thank the City for the ongoing partnerships that we have seen in the past and hope to continue in the future. The City of Austin has helped the Asian community realize a long term vision, that of the planning, design and eventual construction of the Asian Resource Center. You see, the appeal of diversity is the unlimited potential of human capacity. Vast potential awaits humankind when the talents of all the people are brought to bear on our universal challenges.

It takes understanding that humanity’s progress will be reflected by the extent to which we can build a world that respects each other. It requires respect for the uniqueness of each person, and willingness to communicate, understand, and take responsibility for a shared vision of the best that we can be. It takes understanding that the whole is stronger when each person has the opportunity to contribute to the maximum extent of his or her ability.
In that spirit of working together it is important to do even more as it is expected that the Asian population in the Austin area will soon reach 8%. Consequently, it is important that our relationships be strong and united in order to meet the challenges of an increased population.

Let me say a few words about volunteerism and our civic responsibilities. By your actions, you can create a future that you will be happy to meet and proud to leave for your children. Our generation can leave a legacy of opportunity, advancement in all areas, and in all human greatness. Your contribution can give rise to the human spirit and human capacity. Your voice can speak for the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people who might not believe they have a voice. People you may never know are depending on you. You can be the change you want to see in the world. You make a difference, whatever role you choose. It is up to you to make it so.

In closing, I accept this responsibility with gratitude, with the spirit and intent that we will continue working together toward achieving progress for this community.

Thank you,
Channy Soeur