It is time to celebrate the joyous Holiday Season. All the great nations and religions of the world are celebrating this time in their unique way. I, as the Founder and President, want to extend both to you and your family my very best and sincere wishes.
2016 has been an outstanding year of success for the Alliance of South Asian American Labor (ASAAL). The 9th Annual Convention of ASAAL took place on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at District Council 37 Headquarters; 125 Barclay Street in Manhattan and it was the most successful Convention ever! The Theme of the Convention was “South Asian Labor and Community – Same Cause, One Force”. Convention Committee Chair Nithiananda Chatterjie, Ph. D. opened the session followed by introductory remarks by the National President of ASAAL, Maf Misbah Uddin. This was quickly followed by two very interesting and stimulating seminars: the Challenges and significance of organizing the unorganized, and the aftermath of the 2016 Presidential Election. Both of the seminars featured renowned and authentic experts in their respective fields.The seminars were followed by the presentation of awards to Aziz Ahmed, Founder, President, and CEO, UTC Associates, Inc.; Shaun D. Francois I, President, Local 372; Abubokor Hanip, Founder & CEO, People-N-Tech LLC.; and Wayne Spence, President, New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF). It was followed by addresses of the most prominent politicians. The Hon. Scott Stringer, Comptroller of the City of New York was the keynote speaker. Others who spoke were: New York State Comptroller the Hon. Thomas DiNapoli, Senate Democratic leader the Hon. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Public Advocate Letitia James, Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, State Senators Tony Avella, Jesse Hamilton, Roxanne Persaud, and Marison Alcantara; Assemblypersons David I. Weprin, Jose Rivera, Richard N. Gottfried, Michael J. Cusick, and Jamie Williams City Councilmen Rory Lancman, Daniel Dromm, Deborah Rose, Rafael Espinal, and Barry Grodenchik, and many other elected Officials who sent their staff reps and many District Leaders.
Every politician gave a speech that they will protect and preserve South Asian culture, faith and religion for as long as they remain in office. They also promised to bring the South Asian issues to the forefront of their respective legislative bodies as a sponsor and will follow up on these issues until they are fulfilled. We remain eternally grateful to all those who participated.
Despite our hard work, unfortunately this year’s Presidential election has changed all the progress America has made over the last 60 years! In spite of Donald Trump’s vicious hatred against immigrants, women, minorities, and Muslims from the moment of his campaign announcement to his winning of electoral votes while losing the popular vote by nearly three million did not detour him! The President-elect has shown he intends to bring white supremacy, misogyny, bigotry, and wanton hatred in his administration. He has steadfastly refused to divest from his businesses that will usher in an unprecedented era of corruption on day one of his presidency!
Yes, the loss was a devastating setback! But the only way we lose these fights over the long term is if we get discouraged, instead of getting back to work. The time is now to get up, dust ourselves off, stand with and defend labor unions who will be hit hardest by a Trump administration, including immigrants, women, Muslims, Latinos, Blacks, and all other minorities.
The times in which we are living are constantly changing. We have a new President whose vision is alarming, whose future is undefined, and who thinks that the minimum wage should not be raised! Though his Muslim Registry rhetoric has gained immense support from his base is dangerous, it is not new! The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) or INS Special Registration was initiated by President George W. Bush in September 2002 as part of the War on Terrorism. Non-citizens who were registered are fingerprinted, photographed, and interviewed. Progressive groups across the country and ASAAL opposed vehemently and are glad that finally on December 22, 2016 the Obama administration announced that it will dismantle the NSEERS for good!
Once again brothers and sisters whatever you heard or know about President-elect Donald Trump, the only choice left for the progressive movement is to fight and fight like hell. As the saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” We will continue to build the coalition with other groups and will do everything within our reach to maintain the basic decency of humanity, for the freedom of religion, and the pursuits of fulfilling the American dream! Remember Donald Trump, President-elect is not the end of the story; it is only the beginning as such ASAAL’s struggle as the voice for the voiceless continues!
Finally, I want to greatly appreciate the members of the Convention Committee, all six ASAAL Chapter Officers, and all participants especially representative from Georgia, Maryland, Kansas, and Pennsylvania for making the 9th Annual ASAAL Convention a smashing success. I, along with the Officers of the Chapters and the Executive Council, wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza, a Blessed Eid, a Joyous Diwali, and the miracle of good health, happiness, peace and prosperity for the New Year!
Fraternally Yours,
Maf Misbah Uddin, President
ASAAL National Executive Council
