August 2026 Newsletter
Celebrating the Heart of Our Community
On July 24, the Asian District Cultural Association gathered at Innovation Hall for our Heart of the District Charity Dinner, an evening celebrating the people, organizations, and businesses that help make the Asian District a vibrant and thriving community.
We were honored to present this year’s awards to three incredible recipients:
🏮 Cultural Luminary Award — Kapwa OKC
This award recognizes an organization that has made significant contributions toward preserving and promoting its culture, heritage, and traditions. Eileen McGuire, Co-Founder and Dance Director of Kapwa OKC, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
🏮 Asian District Anchor Award — Grand House Asian Bistro
Recognizing a business that serves as a cornerstone of the Asian District, this year’s award was presented to Grand House Asian Bistro and accepted by Allison Tien.
🏮 Legacy Lantern Award — Nathan & Scarlet Cao
The Legacy Lantern recognizes individuals who symbolize guidance, inspiration, and a lasting impact of leadership within the Asian community. We were honored to recognize Nathan and Scarlet Cao for their many contributions and continued leadership.
We were also proud to welcome the 2025–2026 Co-Presidents, Alicia Pham & Nidhi Patel, from the Asian District Youth Board, who shared about their experiences and the importance of Asian Youth Empowerment. Their leadership and passion are a wonderful reminder of the bright future ahead for our community.
During the evening, we also shared our Asian District Impact Report, highlighting the growth, accomplishments, and impact of the Asian District Cultural Association over the past year.
Most importantly, thank you to our generous sponsors, community partners, supporters, and guests who joined us and continue to invest in the future of the Asian District.
Your support allows ADCA to create programs, celebrate culture, empower youth, strengthen our community, and continue building a thriving Asian District for generations to come.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the heart of our district!
Public Safety in the
Asian District
On July 29, Asian District residents and business owners gathered at Lee’s Sandwiches for an important and, at times, difficult conversation about public safety in our community.
Following recent concerns in the District, including the tragic death of community member Cap Nguyen, residents and business owners came together to share concerns, ask questions, and learn more about available resources and how we can work together to address safety challenges in the area.
We were grateful to have representatives from the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team, the City of Oklahoma City’s Code Enforcement Division, and the Key to Home Partnership present to answer questions and provide guidance. The conversation included not only public safety, but also how residents and businesses can appropriately and compassionately respond to concerns involving individuals experiencing homelessness.
We know these are not always easy conversations, but creating a space for honest dialogue is an important part of building a safer, stronger, and more connected Asian District.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend, share your experiences, ask questions, and be part of this important conversation. We are grateful for the continued engagement of our residents, business owners, community partners, and public safety officials as we work together toward solutions.
Breaking Bread with the Latino & Asian Community
On August 20, the Asian District came together with members of Oklahoma City’s Latino community for OK Justice Circle’s Breaking Bread with the Latino & Asian Community, a luncheon focused on connection, conversation, and shared community concerns.
The panel featured Deputy Chief Beto Balderrama, Ellas Pando, owner of Taqueria and Tortilleria Lupitas and a board member of Calle Dos Cinco in the Historic Capitol Hill District, and Joe Tong, manager of Classen Liquor in the Asian District.
The conversation provided an opportunity to hear from community leaders and business owners about the issues impacting OKC’s Latino & Asian communities. Topics including immigration concerns, public safety, and homelessness sparked thoughtful discussion and highlighted both the unique experiences and shared challenges within our communities.
We appreciate OK Justice Circle for creating space for this important conversation and bringing people together around the table. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who participated, shared their perspectives, and helped strengthen connections between the Latino and Asian communities in Oklahoma City.
Pictured is the committee who helped facilitate and put this event together: Lee Roland, Wayland Cubit, Steve Le, Brenda Hernandez, and Jon Middendorf
Applications OPEN for 2026-2027 Asian District Youth Board
The 2026–2027 Asian District Youth Board is looking for the next group of student leaders ready to make an impact in our community! 🧡
Now entering its 3rd cohort, the Asian District Youth Board brings together AANHPI high school Juniors & Seniors from across the Oklahoma City area to build leadership skills, connect with their community, and create meaningful experiences for Asian youth.
As a Youth Board member, students will help plan and lead the annual Asian Youth Empowerment Conference, while working alongside other young leaders to advocate for and celebrate Oklahoma’s AANHPI community.
✨ Who can apply?
• AANHPI high school Juniors & Seniors
• Students who are passionate about leadership, community, culture & service
• Students ready to collaborate, share ideas and make a difference
📅 Application Deadline: September 9, 2026
Think you’d be a great fit—or know someone who would? Apply today and be part of Cohort 3!
Classen Corridor Survey
The City of Oklahoma City is planning for the future of the Classen corridor, the stretch of Classen Boulevard from NW 10th Street to NW 48th Street. This survey asks how you travel the corridor today, what works, and what doesn’t.
Your input will help shape the plan and the priorities for transportation, development, and public investment along Classen. The survey takes only a few minutes, and your responses are anonymous.
Upcoming Events:
Cheers to a great year ahead,
Asian District Cultural Association
