DSCI exists to promote and celebrate the beauty of diversity. We believe that our global society is better when we work together and that our lives are richer when we have varied perspectives and cultures and ideas. DSCI will continue to fight AAPI violence in Denver by supporting and promoting Asian Businesses in Denver. Join us in creating a diverse and beautiful Denver.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began over a year ago, America has faced a troubling rise of attacks on people of Asian descent. President Joe Biden, in his first primetime address, called out the increase in crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, saying “it’s wrong, it’s un-American, and it must stop.”
Supporting and protecting those within the community means taking action and standing up to those who racially attack or harass AAPI individuals. To help, you can choose to donate, support local business, educate yourself, patron AAPI businesses, and more.
Below, you’ll find a starter guide for suggested resources. While by no means comprehensive, this list is organic and will continue to grow and be updated as needed.
You can begin here, with an overview of petitions to sign, places to donate, organizations to support, and more.
1 – Donate Money to the Asian Pacific Development Center
Serving the Asian Community Right here in Denver!
2 – Report It!
Stop AAPI Hate is dedicated to supporting victims of violence and is a great organization to donate to.
3 – Host an AAPI Inclusion and Diversity Training in your workplace
Hosted by the Asian Chamber of Commerce
https://www.acccolorado.org/aapi-inclusion-and-diversity-training
Did you know Asian immigrants and Next-Gen communities comprise one of the fastest growing demographics in the metro region and United States? Did you know the first Asian race riot took place in Denver? Do you know why Gov. Ralph Carr sacrificed his political career for Japanese Americans?
Please contact Peggy Moore, Special Projects Coordinator at (303) 595-9737 to schedule a presentation or with any questions.
4 – Educate Yourself!
Instead of asking Asian friends to educate you – check out some of these resources to widen your perspective.
Check out this guide to responding to racism toward Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, published by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance project. Or, read this article from the Learning for Justice Center that explores the Model Minority Myth, which explores why racism and hate crimes against the Asian communities are overlooked.
Listen to The Los Angeles Times’ Asian Enough? podcast, which dives into the identity and experience of Asian Americans. Each episode features a different guest, with Vice President Kamala Harris, Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi, and Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu among those dropping by. Dear Asian Americans is another podcast for and by Asian Americans, focusing on authentic storytelling rooted in origin, identity, and legacy. Self Evident challenges the narratives of Asian Americans by sharing real and personal stories.
More of a visual learner? NBC Asian America has recently aired two programs that explore issues faced by the community today. “The Racism Virus” town hall focuses on the rise in hate crimes while Deported is a short documentary about a little-known crisis affecting Southeast Asian immigrants.
Stop AAPI Hate
recommends these five safety steps if you are a witness to anti-Asian racism:
- Take action. Go to the targeted person and offer support.
- Actively listen. Before you do anything, ask – and then respect the targeted person’s response. If need be, keep an eye on the situation.
- Ignore attacker. Try using your voice, body language or distractions to de-escalate the situation (though use your judgment).
- Accompany. Ask the targeted person to leave with you if whatever is going on escalates.
- Offer emotional support. Find out how the targeted person is feeling and help them determine what to do next.
We love being a part of a diverse community in Denver – thanks for joining us in creating a world where we all belong!