In Response to AAPI Racism
In the recent events of Anti-Asian xenophobia, especially highlighted by the Atlanta-area massage parlor attacks, VACCEB is grieving with the Asian community. We are mourning over those whom we’ve lost to Anti-Asian hate crimes. We honor the women who were murdered in the Atlanta-area spa shootings in the name of White supremacy: Soon C. Park, 74; Hyun J. Grant, 51; Suncha Kim, 69; Yong A. Yue, 63; Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33; Paul Andre Michels, 54; Xiaojie Tan, 49; Daoyou Feng, 44.
The act of terror is a deafening blow to Asian Americans who are still reeling from an uptick of anti-Asian discrimination over the past year, undoubtedly spurred on by a former president who referred to COVID-19 as the "Chinese virus" and "kung flu." The massage parlor setting of the attacks also underscores on the plight of Asian women migrant workers and sex workers, who are notoriously underprotected.
According to the New York Times, there have been approximately 3,800 reports of Anti-Asian related cases. However, Anti-Asian hate is not new and is embedded in American history.
“As deep as our roots may be in American soil, we are still viewed as foreign” - #DiversifyOurNarrative
There is strength in numbers. We must stand in solidarity, not only as an Asian Community, but also within our united communities of color. Protect one another by having important conversations, educating ourselves and others on Anti-Asian hate, and volunteering and/or donating to AAPI organizations. VACCEB will continue to serve as a bastion against racial intolerance, and we firmly believe that we can rise above the current climate in unity. Let’s #STOPAAPIHATE together.
VACCEB is committed to the following:
Incorporating diverse opinions and voices into our programming to foster cross-cultural unity and anti-racist principles.
Elevating underrepresented voices by inviting their participation in decision-making spaces
Collaborating with cross-cultural communities by being present at their work and promoting them in our programs and outreach.
Cultivating an inclusive environment through positive engagement and gratitude
Embracing a willingness to learn outside of our comfort zones and avoiding the perpetuation of white supremacy characteristics
Challenging oppressive viewpoints, behaviors, and assumptions through dialogue and active listening
Presenting ourselves as a social justice organization within our community and providing spaces for our diverse community to have challenging, but crucial, conversations
We are hurt, we are grieving, we are enraged, we are fearful, but we are in this TOGETHER.
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In partnership with local advocates, VACCEB has distributed alarms and How to Report a Hate Crime booklets, designed to aid seniors as the majority of them do not know how to access the internet or use their phones. VACCEB continues to seek partnerships to collectively raise awareness and protect our community members.
In an effort to tamper the burgeoning rise of stigma against Asian Americans, VACCEB’s Executive Director, Shirley Gee, joined the TryGuys to shed light on the story of the Asian American community, give voice to the unique struggles Asian Americans face, and discuss ways individuals can help #StopAsianHate.