In Solidarity
Dear Friend,
Life feels heavy these days. It might have something to do with oh, you know…pandemic exhaustion, political extremism, wide-spread racism, inequality, and let’s not forget, misogyny. Then, in the wake of the Georgia massacre of eight people, six of whom were Asian women, and the recent violent attack on an elderly Filipino woman in New York City, I knew I needed to reach out to my Asian and Asian American friends. I wasn’t entirely sure what to say, but I wanted to listen, to hold space for them, and offer support in any way I could.
When speaking to my Asian and Asian American women friends and co-workers, I witnessed a gamut of emotions and reactions, ranging from numbness, fear, deep sadness, and a desire to hide, to anger and rage. One friend initially told me these hate attacks were nothing new, only to feel the full force of the emotional pain days later when waves of tears and shortness of breath took hold of her. Another friend, worried about her elderly parents and family members, was looking for ways she could help them protect themselves when venturing out of their homes. As the women we love and care about navigate the heartbreaking and terrifying realities of racism, the rest of us can offer support by checking in, holding space for their feelings, educating ourselves, and working to be effective allies.
Emily and I are committed to sharing diverse stories of women’s experiences. In HerStory, Emily’s friend Min moved us with her bravery by sharing her story of a very painful encounter. In Inspiration, Joy shared with us her experience as an Asian immigrant and challenges us all to speak out and not limit our work to performative activism. In Favorite Things, we spotlight the work of AAPI women we are inspired and moved by, with a focus on combating anti-Asian hate.
We are here in solidarity. We are committed to listening, to learning, and to highlighting the voices of those that need to be heard. We believe that together, we can grow, find new ways to support each other, and transform judgment and hate by embracing our differences as one of the most beautiful expressions of human existence. That is the world we want to live in, and that is the world we will fight for.
With Love,
Sylwia & Emily
♡
With Joy’s words at the forefront of our minds, we compiled the following list of resources to help guide us in educating ourselves, getting involved, and speaking out against AAPI hate. This list is by no means exhaustive and we would love for you to share more resources with us.
Asian Americans - A PBS five-hour film series that delivers a bold, fresh perspective on a history that matters today, more than ever.
Ignoring the History of Anti-Asian Racism is Another Form of Violence - A must-read article published in Elle, written by Connie Wun.
AAPI Women Lead - A movement that aims to strengthen the progressive political and social platforms of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the US through the leadership of self-identified AAPI women and girls.
Hate is a Virus - A nonprofit community of mobilizers and amplifiers that exists to dismantle racism and hate.
Asian American Advocacy Fund - A grassroots 501(c)4 social welfare organization dedicated to building a politically-conscious, engaged, and progressive Asian American base in Georgia.
68 Ways to Donate in Support of Asian Communities - A list that spans categories, from assisting businesses impacted by COVID-19 to providing legal aid and education, to help the reader effectively donate money.
