This is how you can support the AAPI community in the Bay Area, by Briana Frazier.

This Is How You Can Support the AAPI Community in the Bay Area

By Briana Frazier

May is the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, a great time to learn more about this community’s rich culture and understand its diverseness. As such, it is about time to start looking for enriching essays, products and guides to Bay Area’s best AAPI’s relaxing places, restaurants and so much more. But, even before we get there, since the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, the AAPI community has experienced one of the worst hate crimes and violence which is why I dedicate this article to this community, for you to learn the various ways to support the Bay Area’s AAPI community right now. A recent report by the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University in San Bernardino found that San Francisco experienced a 140% increase in racially motivated attacks against the Asian people in 2021.

Ever since, the local, state and national organizations have stepped up and now supporting the AAPI community through fundraisers, outreach programs, education and mutual aid.

Now more than ever, it is important to stand in solidarity with the AAPI communities. We need to educate ourselves on the history of anti-Asian racism in America and figure out the best solutions to end it.

Here are some pointers to get started:

ADVOCATE FOR THE CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS OF AAPI COMMUNITIES

One way you can show support for the AAPI community in the Bay Area is by donating to the Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Asian Law Caucus. It was opened in 1972 and was the first legal and civil rights organization for the AAPI community. The organization has a mission to pursue equality and justice for AAPI communities particularly targeting the low-income immigrants and or the underserved. Some of their advocacy revolves around housing rights, immigration rights, the justice reforms, civil rights, workers’ rights among many others.

Your donation ($25) could help the underserved and low wage worker get help file a claim to recover stolen wages.

A $500 donation could perhaps help a tenant stay in their rent controlled apartment. You could also volunteer for administrative or clerical skills. There’s so much you can do!

GET ACTIVE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCES OF AAPI IN AMERICA

Apart from active advocacy for the AAPI Community, the Asian Law Caucus also has a strong stand against hatred as a place where people in the AAPI community can tell their stories about the hate and the injustice they’ve encountered. These stories are open to the public and we can all read and learn more about their ordeals.

PHOTO SOURCE: https://www.advancingjustice-alc.org/

REPORT ANY INCIDENCE OF HATE, VIOLENCE OR RACISM AGAINST THE AAPIS

If you witness a violent incident against a member of the AAP community, you need to report it. If someone is in danger or has been hurt, you need to let the authorities know before anything else. It doesn’t matter if the crime is big or small, report it to Stop AAPI Hate which is a non-profit organization created to track, respond to and stop anti-Asian racism in the country.

DURING THIS TIME, ENGAGE WITH AAPI ARTS

During this special month, take time to engage and learn more about the Asian art and cultures. By doing this, you uplift the voices of the Asian and Asian American community. You can visit the Asian Art Museum which is home to one of the best collection of Asian Arts.

Art is one of the best ways to connect with any people. It exposes you to learning more about the history and lived experiences of the Asians across the world.