A Note from Our President , Michael A . Chan
Amid feelings of political paralysis , the presence of racial injustices , and polarizing economic inequities , our AAPI and other racial minority communities are being scapegoated by some for America ’ s presumed loss of greatness , jobs , and wealth . Others believe that we have a rising sea of opportunities that is lifting income equality for all races . These are unconscious fantasies from those whose blinders put them in denial of the stark and viral realities of 2016 .
In reality , what drives the scale and depth of our social and economic disparities is what I have stated numerously over the years , it is that race always matters in America .
Race permeates and influences every sector , level , and facet of American society . It indelibly influences who gets jobs , contracts , loans , and into colleges . As racial minorities of diverse cultures and with limited English proficiencies , we have all worked and wanted our fair share of opportunities and resources that many other Americans view as entitlements .
We wanted inclusion and instead encountered an array of exclusions disguised as “ prequalifications ,” “ prerequisites ,” “ value added ” and “ evaluations ” and designed to keep us off the proverbial playing field or worse relegate and marginalize us to the sand box for the unqualified .
We deceive ourselves , when we think that access to opportunities alone is enough . Many times it is a “ good faith ” illusion that validates abusive exclusions or worse continues the entitlement and the enrichment of those who have monopolized opportunities for their continuing benefit . To level a playing field full of abusive potholes is self-defeating , what we need to do is rewrite the ground rules to end these disempowering abuses .
Let us then be disruptive and let us reconfigure the playing field to focus on breaking down the baseless ceilings imposed by others to limit competition . What we want is to create real access to opportunities to create real results that create sustainable upward mobility for all racial minorities .
Since its inception , ASIAN , Inc . has always been fighting to reduce dependencies that create racial and economic inequities . This is in ASIAN , Inc .’ s cultural DNA the propensity and willingness to knock down exclusions that disqualify minorities from realizing opportunities at all levels in education , in contract procurement , in access to capital , in sustainable housing and reinvestment in our communities . Providing selfdetermination to disadvantaged minorities to realize their material civil rights has always been part of ASIAN , Inc .’ s mission and metrics . Go to asianinc . org and see what we do to empower others throughout California .
In our current tempestuous environment of societal turmoil and conflict , our theme of “ Own Your Future ” means taking control , be proactive , be strategic and make your future happen to benefit yourself , your family , your business and your community .
This is why we are honoring those who personify what it means to “ Own Your Future ” for they have struggled , found their path , and grew their passion in making their dreams happen . They have achieved , succeeded , and inspired . They show us that in the microcosm of their successes are born the seedlings for change that advances economic equity for racial minorities in 2016 and beyond ..
As we honor our awardees , we also honor you for being with us in our fight to achieve economic equity and parity for all .
ASIAN , INC . 5 2016 GALA