Jack,

Eight people were killed in a mass shooting in Atlanta on Tuesday night—the majority of them Asian women. My heart breaks for their families.

This horrific event is part of a disturbing surge in hate crimes targeting our Asian American friends, neighbors and family. It has to stop. It is on all of us to step up and loudly condemn this violence and the bigoted language which fuels it.

And while the coronavirus pandemic and Donald Trump’s hateful, xenophobic rhetoric may have been an accelerant, we must acknowledge that our country has a long history of anti-Asian violence and bigotry.

If you’re looking for ways to help, I have two suggestions for you today:

First, check in on your AAPI loved ones. Listen, learn, and give them your love and support. It’s on us to show up for them.

And if it makes sense for your budget, make a donation to an organization that supports the AAPI community. My team pulled together a list of five New York-based and national organizations that could use your support—split a donation between all five here.

• The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans across the country

• The Asian American Federation’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund will help New York’s Asian community recover from the economic and social ravages of the pandemic

• Asian Americans for Equality is one of New York City’s leading housing, social service and community development organizations supporting Asian Americans and other systematically disadvantaged communities

• Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholars empowers AAPI students to access higher education and reach their full potential

• The Center for Asian Pacific American Women develops AAPI women to be impactful and influential leaders 

Please, split a donation between five organizations that support and lift up the AAPI community. 

Sending love and strength,
Kirsten