Why Now?

THE BLACK COMMUNITY'S
ENGAGEMENT WITH ASIA IS LIMITED...

100 %

of the U.S. population is African-American

(U.S. Census)

100 %

of U.S. residents traveling overseas in 2017 were
African-American

100 %

of U.S. residents traveling to Asia in 2017 were
African-American

(NTTO)

...AND IT'S IN OUR INTEREST TO INCREASE it...

...TO FURTHER ITS ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENt...

Asia continues to be both the fastest-growing region in the world and the main engine of the world’s economy, contributing more than 60 percent of global economic growth with notable growth from China (33.3%), ASEAN (7.8%), Korea (1.3%) (International Monetary Fund)

...AND to CHANGE INTERACTIONS WITH BLACK PEOPLE ACROSS ASIA.

The Black experience in Asia is varied. Some people find themselves between empty seats on crowded trains (Japan Times) or referred to as ‘gorillas’ by strangers (BBC). When in the same Asian country, some are treated as if they truly “matter” while others are threatened to be deported for being Black (Vice).

THis NEED FOR DIVERSITY IS RECOGNIZED IN EDUCATION...

For example, The Congressional Black Caucus and multiple HBCUs signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Education Association for International Exchange pledging 1,000 scholarships for students to study in China (CBC). Also, Morehouse and Spelman developed Chinese Studies programs (Diverse Education).

...IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT...

On August 18, 2011, President Obama signed Executive Order 13583, “Establishing a Coordinated Government-wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce.”

...and especially here at NABEA

The National Association for Black Engagement with Asia was created because U.S. engagement with Asia should be as diverse as the U.S. population itself. We are the first and only organization serving African-Americans interested in Asia. From helping African-Americans pursue Asia-related careers to creating a community built on shared experiences, NABEA serves you.