By Rev. Brittany Graves
We are better together when we can stand in solidarity for justice. In the past year, the Asian American community has spoken out against the violence that has threatened their livelihood and safety. In 2020, the New York Police Department reported a 1900% increase in hate crimes motivated by anti-Asian discrimination, and STOP AAPI Hate received more than 2,800 reports on anti-Asian racism and violence. Recently, over 20 assaults occurred in the San Francisco Bay area directed at Asian communities and businesses.
The model minority myth that stereotypes Asian American’s as the model citizen or high on the socioeconomic ladder, masks the realities of the income inequality gap within the Asian community and discourages efforts to take seriously experiences of discrimination and racism. It is beyond time to show more concern for xenophobia and anti-Asian hate crimes.
Recent hate crimes against Asian Americans demonstrate a glaring truth that racism is more than a Black and white issue. It is the effect of white supremacy that pins racial groups against one another while sustaining the white racial hierarchy. When people of color can come together to stand in solidarity and know abundance exists, we can overturn systems and struggles that make us believe otherwise. When everyone can rally together to dismantle white supremacy, we can bring liberation and equity to all.
Questions to consider:
- When you think of being an ally, who do you imagine being an ally to?
- How can you best stand in solidarity with the Asian community?
Resources:
Quotes:
“While there are no easy solutions, we know our power is rooted in our communities, the relationships we build, and the power we collectively grow together. And that cannot happen without investment in resources for healing, justice, and accountability; proactive relationships building in community efforts grounded in intervention and prevention; and resources from cross-cultural education and relationship building, which is not served with a greater police presence.” -Stanley Pun, AYPAL: Building API Community Power, Co-Director
“It is up to us to keep our communities accountable. We must work together across cities, do the work to engage in the tensions, condemn anti-Asian racism with folks in our communities without being anti-Black, and fight for the resources we all need. The choice is ours. Let’s imagine what real safety could look like for our people, and build the future we want to see – one that is grounded in accountability, justice, and love for each other.” -Lai Wa Wu, Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), Policy and Alliance Director
Prayer for solidarity:
When we see hate, may we combat it with love to bring justice. If we hear cries of violence, may we rise in solidarity to support movement into liberation. Let us not be so concerned with our personal problems of the day that we forget to also extend care to our neighbor. May we know our neighbor to strengthen community connection, harmony and safety. Help us to dismantle stereotypes, myths or misconceptions that prevent us from seeing each other’s humanity. May our hopes meet our actions in being an ally to those who need it.
Rev. Brittany Graves is associate coordinator, Public Witness & Advocacy, American Baptist Home Mission Societies. She welcomes your input at [email protected] and engagement on Instagram @ambitiouslyBrittany.
Photo by Kelly Lacy from Pexels
By Rev. Brittany Graves
We are better together when we can stand in solidarity for justice. In the past year, the Asian American community has spoken out against the violence that has threatened their livelihood and safety. In 2020, the New York Police Department reported a 1900% increase in hate crimes motivated by anti-Asian discrimination, and STOP AAPI Hate received more than 2,800 reports on anti-Asian racism and violence. Recently, over 20 assaults occurred in the San Francisco Bay area directed at Asian communities and businesses.
The model minority myth that stereotypes Asian American’s as the model citizen or high on the socioeconomic ladder, masks the realities of the income inequality gap within the Asian community and discourages efforts to take seriously experiences of discrimination and racism. It is beyond time to show more concern for xenophobia and anti-Asian hate crimes.
Recent hate crimes against Asian Americans demonstrate a glaring truth that racism is more than a Black and white issue. It is the effect of white supremacy that pins racial groups against one another while sustaining the white racial hierarchy. When people of color can come together to stand in solidarity and know abundance exists, we can overturn systems and struggles that make us believe otherwise. When everyone can rally together to dismantle white supremacy, we can bring liberation and equity to all.
Questions to consider:
Resources:
Quotes:
“While there are no easy solutions, we know our power is rooted in our communities, the relationships we build, and the power we collectively grow together. And that cannot happen without investment in resources for healing, justice, and accountability; proactive relationships building in community efforts grounded in intervention and prevention; and resources from cross-cultural education and relationship building, which is not served with a greater police presence.” -Stanley Pun, AYPAL: Building API Community Power, Co-Director
“It is up to us to keep our communities accountable. We must work together across cities, do the work to engage in the tensions, condemn anti-Asian racism with folks in our communities without being anti-Black, and fight for the resources we all need. The choice is ours. Let’s imagine what real safety could look like for our people, and build the future we want to see – one that is grounded in accountability, justice, and love for each other.” -Lai Wa Wu, Chinese Progressive Association (CPA), Policy and Alliance Director
Prayer for solidarity:
When we see hate, may we combat it with love to bring justice. If we hear cries of violence, may we rise in solidarity to support movement into liberation. Let us not be so concerned with our personal problems of the day that we forget to also extend care to our neighbor. May we know our neighbor to strengthen community connection, harmony and safety. Help us to dismantle stereotypes, myths or misconceptions that prevent us from seeing each other’s humanity. May our hopes meet our actions in being an ally to those who need it.
Rev. Brittany Graves is associate coordinator, Public Witness & Advocacy, American Baptist Home Mission Societies. She welcomes your input at [email protected] and engagement on Instagram @ambitiouslyBrittany.
Photo by Kelly Lacy from Pexels