Coming together to address anti-Asian violence and racism

Friends,

Here we are again feeling outrage, helplessness and fear over senseless violence. We had just begun mourning the killing of 8 people — including 6 Asian American women — in Atlanta and then a shooting in a Boulder grocery store claimed 10 more lives. It’s traumatizing to see hate and hurt play out over and over and to wonder who and what is next.

As the son of Filipino immigrants and the father of two biracial children, the last week has been extremely difficult. I was taught not to talk back and to be respectful and mindful of others. Assimilating and working harder meant ignoring intolerance and enduring slurs and slights along the way. And achieving the "model minority" image of being well-educated and economically successful doesn't necessarily bring acceptance.

One of the symptoms of racism is that groups get lumped together. Verbal and physical assaults of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have grown exponentially during the pandemic, but the viral videos, violence and tragedy are just reminders that AAPI racism sentiment has always been here.

Fear and anger in the AAPI community are outcomes of the racism and inequity that plague and divide America. As a country built on the ideal that all people are created equal, we can’t give in. We have differences, but we each have a responsibility to recognize our shared humanity and to treat each other with respect and dignity.

Positive change begins with paying attention, listening and learning how to make a difference. KQED’s journalism, programming, events and resources raise awareness and foster understanding. They include:

Local stories and resources, including podcast episodes from The Bay on the importance of specificity about who was targeted in Atlanta, tracking anti-Asian racism, and a profile of a man who helps Oakland's Chinatown community from the street level. Also, an article that asks: Is America ready to listen to Asian women?

The five-part Asian Americans docuseries is a great primer on the history of identity, contributions and challenges.

A look at the origin, history and impact of The Chinese Exclusion Act on American Experience.

Bold conversations about race, justice and equality in the second statewide hour of Forum hosted by Mina Kim, and through live events, such as Thursday night’s conversation with Filipino American artists about the power of community and the role of culture and genre on their artistic choices.

Educational resources from the Sesame Street workshop about how to talk with your kids about racism.