Throughout the United States and the world, allies are needed to stand together against racist violence in all its forms.
A few days ago, most people were horrified by the racist and misogynistic murders of Asian American women in Atlanta.
This is only the latest and most public example of anti-Asian prejudice and violence, perpetrated mainly by White men, which is woven throughout US history. The “othering” of groups of people is at the core of discrimination and bias, whether based on race, gender, or other characteristics.
President Biden spoke of a “skyrocketing spike” in violence against people of Asian descent in America. Recent studies have shown a 150% increase in anti-Asian violence in the last year alone, nearly 3800 reported attacks. And experts say that the real figure is likely much higher.
It should not require horrific crimes to change our minds and behavior. FREC, the Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative, calls on all people of good character and goodwill to support racial justice work for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
What can you do? Stand up, speak up, show up, advocate, intervene, and report hate incidents. Demand leadership, build solidarity, and work towards healing and justice.
Here is information about a March 24 local event, and then several articles that list many resources. There are Minnesota and national organizations that support AAPI communities and that fight anti-Asian racism. Find them, follow them, support them. There are so many ways to be involved and to make a difference.
On March 24, 2021, at 5:00 pm, join the Twin Cities Asian American community for a community discussion entitled Unheard Stories: Asian Americans Experiencing Hate featuring U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, Coalition of Asian American Leaders Network & Executive Director Bo Thao-Urabe, and others.
Equity In The Center blog post (including many resource links) – “Stop Asian Hate” – March 23, 2021 https://equityinthecenter.org/stop-asian-hate/
Minnesota Monthly article, “Resources to Fight Anti-Asian Racism in Minnesota” https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/arts-entertainment/theater-dance/resources-to-fight-anti-asian-racism-in-minnesota/