In the wake of the shooting in Atlanta that has left eight individuals dead, six of whom were Asian, we are re-sharing an excerpt from a recent issue of our Cultural Equity Weekly News Digest focusing on resources specific to combatting anti-Asian racism, which has been on the rise over the past year due to increased racist rhetoric around the coronavirus pandemic. These weekly digests are currently available to Americans for the Arts members via our listservs; if you are a member and want to receive news like this to your inbox, make sure you are signed up here.

In addition to these resources previously shared, we also encourage you to explore these Anti-Asian Violence Resources and find out how you can educate yourself and others, take action, and support the Asian community. And a two-page resource created by Asian American Arts Alliance (PDF download) shares concrete steps you can take right now to stand up for your fellow Americans.

(Originally published Feb. 22, 2021)

A few weeks ago, many Asian identifying individuals celebrated Lunar New Year, a time where families and communities celebrate unity, prosperity, life, and joy. This year felt different, as anti-Asian hate crimes have increased in the United States since the start of the pandemic, with minimal media attention to the harm being caused. Asian influencers and celebrities are speaking out against the violence, prejudice and discrimination, but what can we as arts workers do to continue to support, project, and create safe spaces for Asian/Asian-American communities?

Learn about the harm caused, through journal articles, social media posts, and Asian American news.

Practice and learn bystander intervention and sign up for trainings through Hollaback! and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

Support Asian communities through organizing groups such as Asian American Feminist Collective, advocacy group such as Asian American Advocacy Fund, and Asian owned businesses such as Lunar and Omsom.

Donate to or participate with Asian arts and nonprofit organizations such as Asian American Arts Alliance, Asian Arts Initiative, and Seeding Change (just to name a few). What organizations exist in your community?

Take an intentional step towards practicing anti-racism through advocacy and justice for Asian American communities.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash.