Standing with our API Community
According to the Stop AAPI Hate coalition, there have been over 2,500 incidents of hate, bias and discrimination targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (API) across the U.S. since the emergence of COVID-19 in the country in March 2020. The cases are equally concerning and disturbing locally. From an Asian woman kicked in the shins while waiting at a Trimet bus station to vandalism at Asian-owned businesses including those in Portland’s Jade District, the attacks are sadly part of our country’s long history of hate towards the API community.
AMA PDX strongly condemns these anti-Asian hate incidents. We call on people everywhere to stand against such racially-motivated acts of violence and all forms of intolerance, bias, discrimination, bigotry, racism and hate. As an organization committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and the Portland marketing community made up of people from all backgrounds and ways of life, we stand in solidarity with our API members, volunteers, partners, vendors and community. Join us in taking action today:
Educate yourself
Read PBS article: “The long history of racism against Asian Americans in the U.S.”
Review President Biden’s Memo condemning intolerance against APIs
Support API-owned businesses and community
Give your money and heart to API-owned or run businesses
Donate to our 2021 AMA PDX Agency nonprofit partner, API Forward, and others such as APANO and Pacific Islander and Asian Family Center of IRCO.
Volunteer your time and marketing expertise to a nonprofit that supports the API community
Report violence and harassment
Portland United Against Hate: www.reporthatepdx.com
Oregon Department of Justice’s Bias Response Hotline: 1-844-924-BIAS, 711 for Oregon Relay; www.StandAgainstHate.Oregon.gov
Spread awareness on social media
Share an article or make a post — the cases have been underreported by the media
Use hashtags #StopAsianHate, #StopAAPIHate, #ProtectOurElders
Equip yourself with valuable skills
Participate in bystander intervention trainings by Hollaback!
Get safety tips from Stop AAPI Hate
Recommit yourself to the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion and join AMA PDX’s DEI Pledge
As an immigrant from the Philippines, it pains me to see the attacks and violence against the API community continue to skyrocket. My heart aches as API people are seen as fellow Americans one moment and then the next, as foreigners who ‘brought’ the virus. If the coronavirus and these uncertain times have taught us anything, it is that work towards diversity, equity and inclusion is interconnected and we must work together to address our linked struggle with the Black, Indigenous and People of Color community for racial justice. So please join me and AMA PDX in taking action today. If you see something at the grocery store, say something. If a coworker says something at work, say something. If you sense it in your family, say something. Stand up and do something because someone’s life could literally depend on it.
In solidarity,
Christian Aniciete
VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, AMA PDX