A message to our community

We extend our deepest condolences to the communities surrounding the eight victims of the mass shooting in Atlanta this week. While details are still emerging, we know that six of the victims were Asian women working during a pandemic, placing this act of white violence at the intersection of racism, xenophobia, and misogyny. We grieve and stand with members of our community who identify as Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander.

While anti-Asian racism did not start with COVID-19, the last year has been particularly hard for Asian Americans, who have been dealing with an increase in racist attacks. We must stand united against white supremacist ideology and the 3,795 incidents received by the Stop AAPI Hate reporting center, 9.8% of which occurred in public parks. 

Below are three steps this river community—you—can take with us to ensure that parks are more fair and safer every day that follows from here. We send our whole hearts to the families of the victims, and everyone who is grieving.

Statement from Secretary Haaland Condemning Violence Against AAPI Community

WASHINGTON – In response to increased violence committed against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, including the tragic shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland released the following statement:

“My heart goes out to the members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community as they cope with unspeakable pain from ongoing acts of violence that target their community, including this week’s tragic killings in Atlanta, Georgia. While anti-Asian hate is unfortunately not new, we must acknowledge how xenophobic rhetoric throughout the pandemic has further inflamed anti-Asian racism, misogyny, and violence. The scale and frequency of targeted violence against communities of color is unacceptable and serves as a grim reminder that our long march toward peace and liberation persists. On behalf of the entire Interior Department, I send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in these tragic acts of senseless, hate-filled attacks.”

Advocate: 

From the Asian Minnesotan Alliance for Justice, see a list of ways you can Take Action Against Anti-Asian Racism.

Study the equity and inclusion resources listed on our website, including free anti-bias training workshop recordings from Amazeworks. 

Learn to respond to, prevent, and intervene in instances of harassment by taking free anti-harassment training from Hollaback!, a nonprofit working to end harassment. 

Read “A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota” Edited by Sun Yung Shin. 

Donate:

Local and national resources to help support AAPI communities:

Minnesota:
Minnesota based AAPI organizations
Asian American Organizing Project
Coalition of Asian-American Leaders
Asian Minnesotan Alliance for Justice

National:
Stop AAPI Hate
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Red Canary Song is the only grassroots massage parlor worker coalition in the country. Support their mutual aid efforts, community and coalition building, and more.

Amplify:

Raise awareness in your own social circle by starting conversations and sharing support, actions to take against xenophobia and racism towards Asian Americans, and ways to get involved in your local community.