A call to Stop Asian Hate

Living Streets Alliance unequivocally stands against the hateful and xenophobic attacks that have been committed against the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities. 

As we make our way through Asian Pacific Heritage month we must take a hard look at the violence that this community has had to face over the past year. From March 2020 through March 2021, there were over 6,000 hate incidents reported to AAPI. These attacks took many forms, with Asian and Pacific Islanders being spat and coughed on, beaten, kicked out of businesses, and harassed. This doesn’t include the many instances of people being murdered across the country. This is not only an issue of white supremacy, the crimes against the Asian and Pacific Islander community have been committed by people of every race, religion, and gender. The responsibility lies with all of us, as we are all part of the communities that are responsible for causing harm.

This is racism, bigotry, and xenophobia at work. We have to name it and call it what it is. As a society, we have a responsibility to this community to educate ourselves and those around us. Shying away from difficult conversations because they make us uncomfortable is a privilege that some of us cannot afford. A society where we stand idly by while an entire community of people cannot walk through a park, board a bus, or shop for groceries without fear of being the victim of a vicious attack is not a civil society. While we all survive this pandemic as best we can, the Asian and Pacific Islander community is doing the same while also being the punching bag for racists and bigots to take their frustration out on. We should all be outraged and we should all want to take action in ending it.

We at Living Streets Alliance encourage you to support local Asian and Pacific Islander-owned businesses in your community and visit stopaapihate.org for resources and how you can be a better ally.