Our communities are strongest when everyone feels valued, safe, and respected. The Asian-American and Pacific Islander population in Nebraska is growing, and contributes greatly to our local communities as faith and business leaders, artists, students, teachers, and in many other roles. Unfortunately, our Asian-American friends and neighbors are also experiencing increased discrimination based on misplaced anxiety and fear related to the pandemic.
The recent uptick of discrimination and intolerance against Asian-Americans – nationally as well as within Nebraska – has certainly been fueled by racist rhetoric and messaging, including from top government leaders who wrongly referred to the COVID-19 pandemic using false names that stoked unfounded fears and perpetuated stigma about Asian Americans. These actions have been extremely harmful to our community at large.
As people who are committed to building a more welcoming and inclusive statewide community, we must counter fear and hate with love and solidarity. It takes all of us!
Here are some ways you can support Asian American community members:
- Read more: 6 Ways to combat anti-Asian American racism, including some great tips for being more mindful of the language we use.
- Stand up – Sign up for a free bystander intervention training to stop anti-Asian American and zenophobic harassment! Several training dates to choose from this month!
- Report any hate incidents you witness or experience at Stand Against Hatred
- For strategies on how to protect yourself and your loved ones, download this free booklet by the Asian American Foundation called “Stay Safe From Hate”
- Visit the Asian American Pacific Islander Emergency Response Network website and sign up for their email updates to get more resources and ways to show your solidarity.
Together, we can contribute to sending the message that hate, including racism and xenophobia, is unacceptable in all of its forms. Asian-Americans help make Nebraska a beautiful and vibrant place, and we stand together with them in love and solidarity.