Press Releases

Contact:
Denise Yee, Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce
248-844-4100
dyee@saturnee.com

Madison Heights, MI - Asian Pacific American organizations have teamed together to educate the Asian community in the greater Southwest Michigan area. The Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC), the Council of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA), and the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MAPABA) are hosting an “Asian Pacific American Town Hall Meeting” on Wednesday, February 22, 2006. The meeting takes place at the Chinese Community Center, 32585 Concord Dr., Madison Heights, MI, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The topic is Affirmative Action, one of today’s most debated and controversial topics. A seasoned panel is set to discuss various affirmative action issues including: what is affirmative action and what are its intentions; how does affirmative action impact Asian Pacific American businesses and communities; and should I vote “Yes” or “No” on the proposed anti-affirmative action ballot. 

The discussion will be moderated by Lawrence G. Almeda, President-Elect of MAPABA and an intellectual property attorney with the lP law firm of Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, Ann Arbor. The panelists include Frank H. Wu, Dean of Wayne State University Law School and Dr. William B. Allen, Professor of Political Science at Michigan State University. Dean Wu, a champion of cultural pluralism through his roles as mentor and teacher, provocative author, and social advocate, will discuss issues in support of affirmative action. Dr. Allen, a noted scholar and former Chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, will provide insight in favor of banning affirmative action. “Affirmative Action is a complex issue, especially in relation to the very diverse Asian Pacific American (APA) community," stated State Representative Hoon-Yung Hopgood from the 22nd District of Michigan. "In practice, Asian Pacific Americans are sometimes excluded from the definition of ‘minority’ groups. This APA Town Hall Meeting is an excellent way for the community to become more informed about the many nuances of affirmative action. It is our responsibility to learn how this impacts our community so we will be able to make informed decisions in voting this November." 

APACC aims to provide a structured environment facilitating cooperation, support, and mentoring among all Asian Pacific American businesses for the advancement of Asians in the United States. CAPA helps unite Asian Pacific Americans and the community at large through culture, education, and community services. MAPABA serves to increase awareness on issues of importance to the Asian community and seeks to foster understanding of the Asian community through sponsorship of seminars, debates, and discussions. 

This event is sponsored by Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States, with offices in Ann Arbor, Chicago, Indianapolis and Washington D.C. The town hall meeting is open to anyone that is interested in the affirmative action issue. For more information and to register for the event, call 248-844-4100.