LANSING — While delivering his farewell speech on the house floor Thursday, Dec. 11, State Rep. John Olumba made racist and ignorant remarks about Chaldeans. 

 “Asians and Chaldeans should have a Black misery appreciation day, selling fake hair and looseys to people just looking for fresh air and making a fortune doing it…,” Olumba said. “To me seeing a guy dressed up like a girl is really funny or sad, but don’t make the mistake of comparing his struggle to MLK or my wife’s father or grandfather being sprayed with a hose or bitten by dogs or millions of people losing their lives to forced bondage or servitude.”

Olumba has not issued an apology, despite requests for one from community groups. For decades, both Chaldeans and Asians have been known as the backbone of Detroit’s economy because of the small businesses they have operated with a tough work ethic. For members of the community who chose not to leave Detroit even during its toughest times, operating small businesses in the city has not been easy. Several have been gunned down and killed just trying to make a living for their families. Members of the community are also playing a major role in Detroit’s comeback. According to a report, 75 of the 84 supermarkets in Detroit are owned by Chaldeans.