With Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month just under 20 years old as a formal celebration, there’s a pull stronger than ever to learn about and recognize this diverse racial group as the world wakes up to calls for inclusivity. The anti-Asian sentiments that have been inflamed amid the coronavirus pandemic have no place or power in this world and among the collective global efforts to create an equitable society for all.
As we at Aerie take time to reflect on the significance of the AAPI community this May, we encourage you to join and learn along with us as we seek to lift them up throughout it and beyond. We’ve gathered some resources that highlight the voices and work of activists, leaders, authors and more. Please use this – just as we will — to help educate, inspire and empower.
Ways to Take Action
● Donate to and support AAPI non-profits and organizations actively fighting anti-AAPI hate and providing wellness resources for the community.
● Volunteer at community-based organizations that center the needs of AAPI communities.
● Report anti-AAPI violence to organizations like Stop AAPI Hate.
● Diversify your social media feed and listen to the voices of AAPI communities.
● Read books by AAPI authors about the AAPI experience.
● Support AAPI-owned businesses by buying from them or using their services.
Organizations to Support
Asian Mental Health Project: A project working to educate, empower and advocate for the Asian American community to receive mental health and mental illness support.
Asian Mental Health Collective: A collective working to normalize and de-stigmatize mental health within the Asian community by providing accessible resources.
StopAAPIHate: A coalition addressing anti-Asian hate by tracking and responding to hate incidents to then create solutions + policy recommendations for long-term change.
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund: A national organization founded in 1975 that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans.
Hate Is A Virus: A non-profit community that started in April 2020 to respond to the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community due to COVID-19. They amplify, educate, and activate the community to stand for justice + equality.
Gold House: A nonprofit collective of Asian founders, creative founders, and leaders dedicated to enabling more authentic multicultural representation and societal equity.
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center: A museum that serves as a national resource for discovering why the Asian Pacific American experience matters through a collection of history, art and culture delivered in immersive experiences and digital initiatives.
Voices to Follow
Amanda Nguyen (@amandangocnguyen): social entrepreneur; CEO and founder
Michelle Kim (@michellekimkim): activist; DEI advocate for queer WOC
Liz Kleinrock (@teachandtransform): anti-bias and anti-racist educator; TED speaker
Carrie Zhang (@carrieosities): founder of Asian Mental Health Project
Amy Lee (@amy_lee): host of Seen & Safe Virtual Healing Circles for BIPOC & LGBTQIA+
Jezz Chung (she/they) (@jezzchung): writer, activist and founder of newsletter Liberated Luxury
Places to Learn
Anti-Asian Violence Resources: A resource guide that helps individuals educate others, take action, donate and more.
Asian American Collective (@asianamericancollective): A collective of Asians in music, media, entertainment and creative spaces.
Next Shark (@nextshark): A leading source covering Asian American News for business, culture, entertainment, politics, tech and lifestyle.
Books We <3 by Asian Authors
Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung
This Time Will Be Different by Misa Sugiura
To All the Boys by Jenny Han
This list only begins to scratch the surface, and we always encourage you to do more research and find the resources that speak to you and where you are on your journey.
We want to hear from you in the comments below, Aerie fam. Tell us your thoughts if you’ve checked out any of the resources above and let us know your recommendations to learn more about and support the AAPI community.