Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and other May 2024 updates

This May, our coalition launched a national storytelling project called Spread AAPI Love . which centers uplifting stories and affirmative narratives about Asians and Pacific Islanders.

According to Stop AAPI Hate's original research, positive factors like hope, collective action, and cultural pride strongly motivate AAPIs to take action in the fight for racial justice.

That’s why our Spread AAPI Love campaign is so powerful. Your stories of resilience, celebration, solidarity, and resistance not only help our communities heal from racial trauma but also inspire us to take action against racism and discrimination. Thank you for sharing your stories with us!

Keep scrolling to learn more about what we did this AAPI Heritage Month — and how else our communities are mobilizing this May.

KEEPING UP WITH THE COALITION

Combating Anti-Asian scapegoating

Anti-Asian scapegoating in the form of political rhetoric and policy continues to make waves across the nation.?In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed SB 420 into law limiting the ability of Chinese citizens to buy land in the state. This brings the number of states that have passed an anti-Asian land ban to 8.?

“By signing this bill, Governor Kemp is shirking his responsibility to protect the equality, civil rights and constitutional right to due process of all Georgians and is instead engaging in anti-Asian scapegoating and anti-immigrant fearmongering.” – Cynthia Choi, Co-Founder?

Advancing ethnic studies in New York public schools

This month we traveled to the New York State Capitol with the Representing and Empowering AANHPI Community History (REACH) Coalition to advocate for Assembly Bill A6579A to bring AANHPI history to NY public schools.

Ethnic studies is a powerful weapon against bullying and bigotry in and out of the classroom. Through this bill, New Yorkers have the chance to foster a greater understanding of the past and present of AANHPI communities — and address the root causes of race-based hate.

Spreading AAPI Love across the nation

Throughout AAPI Heritage Month, we met with our supporters across the nation with in-person events in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington DC.

?? WASHINGTON, D.C.

We advocated for our communities’ priorities, warning legislators that anti-AAPI hate continues to grow with the rise of Islamophobia impacting South Asian and Asian Muslims. Our co-founder Manju Kulkarni spoke on a panel for the Indian American Impact Summit.

?? SEATTLE, WA

We held an intimate in-person event at mam’s books featuring readings and live performances from notable AA/PI authors and creatives. Community members also had the chance to tell their own story through an interactive storytelling workshop.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Clifford Chiu

"This Spread AAPI Love is the most important initiative I’ve been involved with associated with justice and equity. And it’s because AAPI Heritage Month is about celebration, but we cannot stop there. Why I got involved is that I saw not just celebration, but an acknowledgement of resilience in our communities. From the earliest days when Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps to the more recent days coming out of Covid-19, we are resilient. Also important is resistance – as opposed to just accepting the status quo – to inspire AA/PIs to stand up and do what’s right, to have a voice – individually and together." - Clifford Chiu

Thank you Clifford for sustaining our movement for racial justice. Click here to follow his lead and make a one-time gift to Stop AAPI Hate.

KEEPING UP WITH THE COMMUNITY

Commemorating AAPI Heritage Month

Did you know that AAPI Heritage Month used to be only one week? Yes, we can thank Jeanie Jew – the co-founder of the congressional Asian-Pacific staff caucus – who believed AAPIs should appreciate their heritage and Americans must know about the contributions and histories of the Asian-Pacific American experience.

Stories from our communities

This month marked one year since a gunman fueled by Neo-Nazi beliefs killed eight people and wounded seven others in an attack at a mall in Allen, Texas. The families of those who were lost in the shooting are still healing. Learn more about how you can support them here .

The term "Pacific Islander" encompasses dozens of unique ethnicities and cultures belonging to the peoples of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia - regions that encompass thousands of islands each. Watch this video to hear Pacific Islanders share what they want people to know about their culture.

Data on our communities

A recent study reveals that more than half of Americans lack awareness of the history and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders . The study suggests that increased education and awareness are crucial to addressing this gap and fostering greater understanding and appreciation of AAPI history and culture among the general population.

A poll reveals that women of color in the United States are feeling increasingly motivated and empowered to vote , driven by issues such as racial justice, economic inequality, and healthcare access. Women of color across the nation feel a strong sense of urgency and determination to participate in the political process and make their voices heard.?

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