PACIFIC COUNCIL LEADERSHIP STANDS BY THE ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY

The horrific race-based shootings in Atlanta that occurred on Tuesday night were a turning point in what has been a year of increasing violence directed toward Asian Americans. The Pacific Council on International Policy mourns for the eight victims and their families. In the wake of these violent acts, the Pacific Council affirms its support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community now and always. 

We are saddened and angered by the escalation of ongoing violence against our AAPI community members, from Georgia to Texas to our home in California. Stop AAPI Hate (@stopaapihate) has recorded nearly 4,000 anti-AAPI hate crimes since March 2020, which can be partially attributed to unjust racialization of the COVID-19 pandemic. From our position in Los Angeles, a point along the Pacific Rim, we stand in solidarity with the AAPI community, with whom many Angelenos share culture, history, and familial ties. 

The Pacific Council seeks to be a space that celebrates and lifts up America’s diversity, and we strongly condemn physical and verbal violence against any group based on race, ethnicity, ability, class, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other differentiating characteristic. We know that a statement cannot heal the hurt and pain felt by our AAPI community, but we are committed to holding space and showing our support and solidarity.

We suggest following organizations like the Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE), Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Stop AAPI Hate, the National Coalition for Asian Pacific Americans Community Development, and AAPI Women Lead, who are leading policy and uplifting voices and anti-racism resources on AAPI issues.