Southern Demographic Report:

Asian American’s Economic and Political Power Increases in Florida

[Miami, Florida – October 21 2014]

On October 18, 2014, National Alliance to Nurture the Aged and Youth (NANAY, Inc), in partnership with the Asian American Federation of Florida-South Florida, Organization of Chinese Americans-South Florida, United Chinese Association of Florida and Asian Americans Advancing Justice / Asian American Justice Center, launched the first ever Southern Demographic Report showing a 70 percent increase in the number of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) now comprising the fastest growing racial groups in the Southern States, Including Florida.

Nearly 160,000 Asian Americans and over 12,000 NHPIs reside in the Miami Metropolitan Statistical Area comprised of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. There are nearly 23,000 Asian American-owned businesses that employ nearly 36,000 people and distribute over $840 million in annual payroll. Florida’s Asian American and NHPI buying power was nearly $17 Billion in 2010.

Between 2004 and 2012, the number of Asian who registered to vote and cast ballots in Florida grew 73% each, rates similar to those of Latinos (76% and 70% respectively).

“The Asian American-owned businesses and buying power are crucial to the South’s economy and the population’s growing political power has the ability to produce the margin of victory in future elections not only in the South but also nationally”, says Winnie Tang, President of the Asian American Federation of Florida.

The “Southern Demographic Report: A Community of Contrasts” was launched at Marjorie & William McDonald Center in North Miami Beach, was attended by more than 100 community leaders, government officials and local legislators. Marita Etcubanez, Director of Programs, Asian Americans Advancing Justice/AAJC presented the findings, followed by a panel discussion by distinguished speakers. The Honorable Barbara Watson (Florida State Representative, District 107) emphasized the need for Asian Americans to advocate for the issues that matter to them, and enumerated ways to get involved in the legislative process. Juanita Mainster, Health Insurance Navigator, Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, discussed the importance of getting health insurance for the uninsured through the Affordable Care Act. Will Garnitz, South Florida District Director, Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor, explained how the government is ensuring fair labor and equitable compensation among workers, irrespective of race, color and gender. Carolyn Thompson, Florida Voter Protection Advocate, Advancement Project discussed the importance of registering and getting out to vote.

The panel discussion was followed by a lively Question and Answer Session. Proclamations recognizing the growth and contributions, and were presented by Mayor George Vallejo of North Miami Beach and Vice-Mayor Eddie Lim of North Bay Village.

Attendees left the event rich with information about the diversity and significance of the rising population and increasing economic and political power of Asian Americans in Florida.

The Southern Demographic Report was made possible by The Wallace H. Coulter Foundation, Cyrus Chung Ying Tang Foundation and Bank of America.

For more information, contact:
Winnie Tang
President | Asian American Federation of Florida
Coordianator | Southern Demographic Report Launch Event