| U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce-Wisconsin "Include Asian Americans in race dialogue!" |
| The U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAAC)-Wisconsin Chapter called for inclusion of Asian Americans in the race relations dialogue in Southeastern Wisconsin, during a Public Policy Forum in Milwaukee recently. The Public Policy Forum survey analyzed the race relations among Caucasians, African Americans, and Hispanics. Southeastern Wisconsin is known to be segregated racially and historically -- that there is a high level of distrust among the races. It was generally agreed that positive race relations are necessary for the region to compete successfully in the global economy. The representatives of the communities came forward to respond to the issue of how race relations can be improved in the prominent races. Ritu Sharma, president of the USPAACC of Wisconsin, observed the omission of Asian Americans in the survey. She called for the Asian race to be included in the dialogue. In her presentation, Sharma emphasized that the Asian American population is 3 percent of the general population in the state and 13 percent of the minority population, but Asians contribute 38-40 percent towards the gross receipts generated by the minority population. She said that in any dialogue involving minority contributions in socioeconomic realm, Asian Americans actually create an impact far bigger than each of the Hispanic American or African American population in the state of Wisconsin. Sharma then cited the most recent census data on Asian Americans having the highest median personal income, median household income, and the least burden on the public infrastructure compared to all the other races. In many instances, she added, the average Asian American achievements are ahead of the general population; thus Asian Americans should not be ignored. Sharma applauded the Public Policy Forum for undertaking this much needed effort and the Business Journal for leading the awareness campaign on this issue in the media. She called upon other media outlets to bring this dialogue to the forefront. |
| The US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce is a nationally known and established Asian American Chamber of Commerce. USPAACC has regional presence across the nation and opened its first ever individual state chapter early this year. Wisconsin is going to be the first state chapter of this progressive organization advocating the interests of business owners and professionals of Asian origin. The Wisconsin state chapter is headquartered out of Milwaukee and headed by Media Solutions business owner Ritu Sharma. She can be reached at ritus@uspaacc-wi.org; or (414) 839-4190. |
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| Ritu Sharma |
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