Vibrant’s Statement on Racism Against the AAPI Community
The murders of eight people in Georgia, six of them Asian American women, are shocking and horrifying. And while investigators have been quick to dismiss the notion that this violence was racially-motivated, we know better. These murders are emblematic of the racism and violence faced historically by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in the United States, which has grown in the wake of the pandemic.
Vibrant is devastated to learn of this tragedy and the increased violence directed towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We mourn and stand in solidarity with the AAPI community across the country.
A recent study based on police department statistics found a staggering increase of almost 150% in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020. Across our country, members of the AAPI community are facing unprecedented amounts of physical and verbal violence. We have witnessed some of our country’s leaders share messages of hate against Asians and Asian Americans, parrot misinformation, and build on a long and painful history of stereotyping and racism against Asians in the United States, a history that intersects with our country’s equally long history of misogyny and xenophobia.
This past year has been traumatic with the staggering loss of over 500,000 lives due to the pandemic, food insecurity at an all-time high and painful isolation from family and loved ones. All of us have lost a bit of our “normal” life. The unprovoked violence towards Asian Americans should not be “normal.” Not now, not ever.
Vibrant is committed to creating emotional wellness for all, but that isn’t possible until every American feels psychologically safe, respected, and valued. We are committed to tearing down white supremacy in all its forms, and building racial and mental health equity for our communities, our staff and the people we serve.
We encourage people to educate themselves on the Asian experience in America. Here is a list of resources supporting AAPI communities. And, we encourage everyone to check in on their AAPI colleagues, friends and loved ones. By uniting, we will build a more equitable and just society.
In solidarity,
Kimberly Williams
President and CEO
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