We are deeply concerned and saddened at the escalation in attacks, threats, racism, and violence targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) families, friends, colleagues, and communities, especially at the onset of COVID-19. The recent tragedy this week in Atlanta with the murder of eight people, including six Asian American women, is heartbreaking.
Nationally, we have heard racist rhetoric since the pandemic started and we have seen leaders refuse to speak up and act against this racism. Locally, we know racism and violence towards Asian Americans are not new to our community. We have a dark history of the forceful expulsion of Chinese immigrants and migrant workers from Tacoma in 1885 as well as the incarceration of Japanese and Japanese-Americans in Puyallup in 1942. We acknowledge we cannot change the past, but we must do better today. And we stand together, in support of our Asian American and Pacific Islander community to #StopAAPIHate.
At TAM, we strive to be a welcoming place for all, where connecting through art can lead to personal explorations and a greater understanding of our shared condition. To learn more about TAM’s work to improve Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, click here.
Now is the time to reflect and consider our role, our values, and our actions going forward. One of those actions is to stay informed and support our AAPI community.
Specific resources:
- Stop AAPI Hate
- API Chaya
- Asian Counseling and Referral Services
- Wing Luke Museum
- Asia Pacific Cultural Center
- Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation