On June 3rd, 2024, SAAPRI’s Executive Director Shobhana Verma was featured in an article regarding Asian Americans working to translate growing numbers in Chicago into political power.
The article discussed how “[t]wo years ago, Lee’s entrance to the City Council catalyzed what many in Chinatown saw as a watershed moment for their community. Now, there are a total of 13 Asian Americans serving in elected office on the city, county and state levels. Following the 2023 citywide election, Chicago now has a record number of two aldermen of Asian descent: Lee and Filipina American Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, 48th,” showing the impact of Alderwoman Lee’s leadership in Chicago City Hall.
Shobhana Verma noted that even within the South Asian population, there is “polarization” that risks distracting from common causes.
“We are working with a community that does not necessarily have a history, first of all, of being so large or being so engaged. Our identities are very heterogeneous, embracing multiple religions, different beliefs and values and languages, sexual orientations and a diversity of ethnicities. How can we all think and vote or experience the same things?”
Shobhana Verma, Executive Director of SAAPRI
- Read more from the article here