SANTACLARA: Concerned that economic and political clout is not growing as fast as the Asian Population, leaders from throughout the Asian Community gathered on Saturday May 1 I that the Santa Calra Convention Center to discuss ways to overcome racial, economic and cultural barriers.
According to Mohinder Mann, Prominant Indian attorney, “Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Philippine’s and the entire Asian Community must unite to transform those numbers into economic and political viability”.
Ben Menor, chairman of the diverse grassroots organization Coalition 2001; Celebration of Unity in Diversity agreed, adding “our Coalition is building a culturally diverse organization that is attracting the attention of our elected officials. We have become the watchdog for the community. “Menor also says that we must recognize that America demands that we as a humble culture and people begin exercising our rights vocally. ““It is no longer acceptable for us to wait to be asked to participate. We must demand that our communities be included in the decision making process.
Annice Dandavati, a commissioner on the Status of Women, and a well-known Indian professional businesswoman, says that the ethnic minority communities suffer a double blow, “because American Society does not always take ethnic minority businesswomen seriously.”
U.S Representative Norm Mineta concurred, saying that “we must learn how to exercise our power”. Much of the convention which was organized by The Asian Business League of the Silicon Valley also focused on increasing job opportunities for Asians. The convention drew more than 2500 people and more than 120 exhibitors providing information on subjects ranging from the retaining of personal injury attorneys to small business loans.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 17, 1991
