It’s a special month for AAPI people. Here’s how you can get involved.
Friend, I’m Connecticut AG William Tong.
Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a special time for our community, but things feel different this year, coming off a year-long explosion in anti-AAPI hate crimes.
A lot of us are rattled and tired. Tired of seeing people who look like us, who had big hopes for this country (like our parents) and who are full of potential (like our children), be brutalized for daring to exist.
Just last month, 61-year-old Yao Pan Ma was out collecting empty bottles for extra money in East Harlem, trying to make ends meet, when he was struck from behind and put in a coma. He is still fighting for his life.
But this month (and beyond), I’m putting those feelings into something much more powerful: Change. Real, lasting, unequivocal change.
Because I owe it to our community, and our country, to build a safer world for all of us. I’ll do everything in my power to make that a reality, and I urge you to join me, friend.
I worked with my team to make a list of actions that can combat racist hate and make our communities stronger. Take a look, and get involved this AAPI Heritage Month by joining me as we take action!
In this inbox, no act of solidarity is too small, and no comment will go unheard. I promise to read every word (even if you just want to share your story with someone, my AAPI friends). In a world where racism seeks to divide us, I can’t wait to take action together.
Forward this email to three loved ones, inviting them to join you! The more voices in this fight, the better. White supremacy depends on our silence.
Report hate incidents: Hate crimes are chronically underreported, making justice harder to reach. If you witness an attack in your community, here’s an easy-to-use form. You can also stay up-to-date on various hate crime laws and legal resources.
Volunteer your time: AAPI elders are especially vulnerable right now, with many terrified to leave their homes. Chaperone programs, like Compassion in Oakland and Protect Chinatown (NYC), have assembled coast-to-coast to keep everyone safe.
Know our stories: This wave of violence is shocking, but not new. Our stories have been buried for a long time, which makes us easy political scapegoats. Check out PBS’ interview with “Be Water” director Bao Nguyen.
Read up: Peruse this list of books from AAPI authors. Our community is made up of incredibly expansive and unique voices – there are some real page-turners in here.
Sign petitions: Join the call for a community-centered response to anti-AAPI violence. Then, ask your representatives and elected officials to condemn the attacks against AAPI women and elders.
Friend, I hope this list can help us make an impact together. I can’t wait to hear your plans for getting involved – just hit the reply button on this email and let me and my team know. Feel free to forward this email to friends and family, too!
Determined,
William
William Tong Connecticut Attorney General
Democratic AGs truly are “The People’s Lawyers” and DAGA is the only party committee devoted to electing more of them. Since 2016, we’ve won two-thirds of our targeted races, and with more than 30 AG seats up for grabs in the next two years, we need your support – will you chip in today?
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