Resources to Help Empower Asian and Pacific Islander Communities

“Words have consequences. And many have pointed to the way that leaders have framed the COVID-19 pandemic as a contributing factor in the uptick in racist incidents against Asian and Pacific Islanders in the United States. 

“Anti-Asian hate crimes increased 149% in 2020 in 16 of the largest cities in the U.S., according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. A White House memorandum condemning racism noted that references to the geographic origin of the virus raised the levels of xenophobia toward Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders putting them at risk. 

“From the start of the pandemic through February, 3,795 hate incidents were reported to Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition of API groups. Victims reported verbal harassment, physical assault, shunning and other incidents in their workplaces, schools, restaurants, stores and online. The attacks have prompted others to seek ways to support the API community.”

Visit Online MSW Programs for a comprehensive list of resources for Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities and their allies.

Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash.