Dear Friends,
The stories of resilience we hear from #StoptheHateCA, a statewide initiative supporting survivors of hate, remind us of our “why”, our commitment to this work of nearly 50 years.
Kris, a Cambodian-Filipino American high school student from Long Beach, was often targeted for being Asian: “Ch*ng, Ch*ng. Go back to China, Kim Jung Un!” She developed anxiety and felt “less than,” so she isolated herself and avoided social contact at school.Â
Time and time again, we witness the consequences of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies. In this case, hate, racism, and discrimination has found its way into our schools.Â
Families in Good Health, a Stop the Hate partner, helped Kris heal and feel comfortable in her own skin through dedicated workshops. Kris now shares her story about overcoming bullying at her club meetings and community events and is confident that her generation has the power to end hate.
“Knowing that people are listening and suggesting ways for change gives me hope for the future.” – Kris
It’s going to take all of us to build healthy and safe communities. This Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we led 180 Stop the Hate partners to educate 92% of the California State legislature on how people, like Kris, are experiencing hate and how Stop the Hate CA is combatting it.Â
Then and now, we must make our voices heard to improve the lives of AAPIs in Los Angeles County and beyond – especially as certain members of congress voted to strip away lifesaving resources, such as Medicaid and SNAP, and fund inhumane immigration policies and tax cuts for the rich instead.
AAPI Equity Alliance is invigorated from the fierce dedication of our statewide partners and coalition of 50+ members this Heritage Month. As we enter Pride month, we remain as committed as ever to fight against policies and rhetoric that harm our communities. Together, we can #StoptheHate.
Continue reading for more updates and stories from our coalition and community.
