Reflecting on a very different APAHM
We know it wasn't easy to celebrate this month, but maybe that made it even more important to carve out that time for ourselves. Our community's long legacy of activism laid the foundation for the resilience and vigilance with which we've responded to this pandemic and associated rise in xenophobia. Together, we will get through this.
So, as we approach the end of this month, join us as we reflect on that history, and support our community. Happy APAHM, and read on to see what AAAFund has been up to during quarantine!
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What we binged:
On May 11 and 12, PBS aired a 5-hour docu-series that's been touted as the most comprehensive dive yet on the Asian American experience. We learned so much about how AAPIs forged a community and sense of belonging in America, and struggled against a brutal xenophobic, racist backlash. And if that wasn't enough, Daniel Dae Kim co-narrated the whole thing!
You can find the series online here.
If you were like us and super inspired by this amazing film series, check out the last few days of some other AAPI film festivals that moved online. They are based in DC, San Diego, Los Angeles, and more. Help us support the creatives in our community!
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What we tweeted about:
With help from over 170 other AAPI leaders, AAAFund spearheaded a letter sent to the Biden campaign, asking that they nominate an AAPI woman as the Vice President's running mate. Two women reportedly up for the nomination are some of our favorites: Sen. Kamala Harris and Sen. Tammy Duckworth. Sounds like a great APAHM gift to us!
Our allies who signed onto the letter include several former members of Congress, former Obama administration appointees, state and local elected officials, and community leaders, from all over the country. Check out the list.
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Who we zoomed with:
Okay, not exactly a Zoom. But a few weeks ago, when the Biden for President campaign released a controversial ad touting the Vice President's toughness on China, AAAFund joined others in calling out the lack of precision of language in the ad, and the misdirected focus on China, over the current president's bungled handling of the pandemic.
The AAAFund board brought these concerns up with the Biden campaign in a call, and explained the potential impact the ad might have on our community's safety. Our feedback was heard by campaign leadership, and we are heartened by their receptiveness towards criticism. AAAFund is looking forward to expanding our partnership with the Biden campaign to ensure our community is well-represented and advocated for in this critical election.
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Who we followed on social media:
ICYMI: We announced two new endorsements this month! They would both be firsts in Congress, and we couldn't be more excited. Check them out:
Nabilah Islam, running in Georgia's 7th congressional district, would be the first Bangladeshi-American woman in Congress.
Marilyn Strickland, in contention for Washington's 10th congressional district, would be the first Korean-American woman in Congress.
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What we read:
Senator Tammy Duckworth and Vice President Joe Biden recently published an op-ed condemning the ongoing racism against Asian Americans coming out of the Oval Office. As APAHM wraps up, they remind us that, "[the] American story as we know it would not exist without the strength of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community."
ICYMI: Not a new book, but our three AAPI senators, Senators Hirono, Duckworth, and Harris, introduced a resolution in the Senate earlier this month, condemning coronavirus-related anti-Asian racism. It's the Senate companion to the resolution Rep. Grace Meng introduced just a week before.
Senator Hirono sent letters to the CDC and DOJ, asking the federal agencies to make plans to address the rise in acts of racism against AAPIs. She also urged Facebook to be conscious of non-English speakers on their platform and work on curbing covid-19 misinformation in other languages.
On a positive note, the Senate passed a resolution that honors the contributions to the nation of Native Hawaiian, Alaskan Native, and Native American women.
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Who we caught up with:
The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund and AAAFund just partnered on a campaign supporting progressive, pro-environment AAPI leaders! Thanks to our own Tiffany Hsieh, AAAFund Digital Director and LCV Youth Digital Campaign Manager, for spearheading this joint effort.
One thing we've revisited this month is the rich legacy of environmental advocacy in the AAPI community. We have long been leaders and organizers in the fight against environmental racism and injustice. Today, the Trump administration's response to the pandemic evokes those painful periods of xenophobic public health measures in American history, making it all the more important we celebrate the AAPI community's contributions to the environmental justice movement.
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The Clearinghouse
It's clear that more than ever, we need to come together as a community and ensure we are well-represented by strong progressives at every level of office. We're recruiting great candidates and forming meaningful partnerships across the country, but even though we've made progress, there's always more to do. Onward!
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