Dear IHCC Community,
It has come to our attention that there exists a significant gap in vendor participation for the upcoming Democratic National Convention scheduled to be held in Chicago from August 19th to 22nd, 2024. As outlined in the vendor directory, the representation of Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBEs), particularly Latino-owned businesses, stands at a mere 14.52 percent as of March 25th.
This discrepancy is deeply concerning. Chicago, renowned for its vibrant Latino community, which contributes over 30 percent of the city’s population, should exemplify inclusivity and diversity, especially in major events such as the Democratic National Convention. It is disheartening to witness such underrepresentation despite our city’s rich cultural fabric.
We acknowledge that addressing such disparities is not a novel challenge, but it is imperative that we strive for tangible solutions. Our objective is not to assign blame but rather to collaboratively rectify this issue. Every effort must be made to ensure equitable participation and representation of all communities within our city and state.
Therefore, we urge the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and all relevant stakeholders to take immediate and decisive action to rectify this disparity. It is essential to engage proactively with Latino-owned businesses and other underrepresented groups to facilitate their meaningful participation in the convention.
We stand ready to support and collaborate in any capacity necessary to address this issue effectively. Our vision is to participate in a convention that truly reflects the diversity and inclusivity of our city and state. The IHCC will continue to work tirelessly alongside the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) and other Hispanic-centered organizations to promote opportunities to advance our communities, as we have been doing for the last 30 years.
Sincerely,
Jaime di Paulo