Access Strategies Fund reaches ten year milestone in supporting nonprofit organizations in underserved communities who seek social justice. On November 10, 2010, they celebrated their anniversary with politicians and many organizations.
Access Strategies Fund presented the Access Courage Award to the Chinese Progressive Association. Joining CPA on stage to accept their award was Siu Ching Tsing who fought along side with CPA to have ballots in Chinese and Vietnamese. With many years of hard work, CPA was victorious in passing the bill to have Chinese and Vietnamese transliterated ballots in Boston.
In addition, Tsing shared his story on why he stood up for his right to vote. He explained that it started in 2003 when he went to vote. A worker at the site asked if he needed any assistance. Even though Tsing did not know how to read English, he kindly declined because he brought a piece of paper that will allow him to match the names. Tsing only wanted to vote for one position. When he was done, he was astonished to find that the worker was standing directly behind him. What left him flabbergasted was when the worker told him that he should vote for certain candidates for other positions that he left unmarked. Tsing blatantly told the worker that he would not vote for the others because he did not what they stood for. This event bothered Tsing because this was unfair to many voters and the running candidates. He sought CPA for assistance on this matter. Soon an investigation began by the Department of Justice. Subsequently, Boston was sued and it became a 7 year fight to have translated ballots. Tsing said he did not want to get anybody in trouble but he just wanted justice.
Tsing’s courageous act to speak his mind and to fight for fairness will encourage many voters with limited English to vote without hesitation. During the night, Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Councilor at Large, stated, “If anyone knows CPA, you don’t mess with their voters and their community.
In attendance with Councilor Ayanna Pressley were Felix G. Arryo, (Boston City Councilor at Large), Charles C Yancey (City Councilor for D4), and Chuck Turner, (City Councilor for D7).
Diana Li is a Sampan correspondent.