By Chris Tobias 

In the past few years, it has become increasingly crucial to support Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities as they navigate the shifting political landscape and face heightened risks to their safety. Between 2020 and 2021 alone, incidents of anti-Asian hate surged dramatically, marking a staggering 339% increase. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address discrimination, violence, and systemic challenges faced by AAPI individuals and communities. As we confront these pressing issues, we must stand in solidarity with the AAPI community and work collaboratively to promote equity, justice, and safety.

In response to this alarming surge in anti-Asian hate incidents across the United States, a pioneering initiative has emerged: the National Asian Resource Hub. This groundbreaking platform, developed by leading organizations such as Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice-AAJC), with the support of industry giant Microsoft, represents a pivotal step in combating hate and providing crucial resources to affected communities.

On Thursday, February 29, Ethnic Media Services held a briefing to introduce the first-ever National Asian Resource Hub. This needed new resource pioneers a two-fold mission: 

First, to illustrate the surge of hatred through data culled from a combination of reports (surveys, hate trackers, law enforcement, and public records) about the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities (AAPIs) and second, to provide a searchable national directory of resources and culturally competent services that offer help in eight Asian languages and dialects, such as Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), Korean, and Vietnamese. Access to the hub is free to all at www.asianresourcehub.org

Connie Chung Joe, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), emphasizes the critical need for such initiatives, stating, “The escalating wave of anti-Asian hate incidents has deeply shaken our communities. It is imperative that we not only address these acts of violence but also provide comprehensive resources and support to those impacted.”

At the heart of the National Asian Resource Hub are interactive data narratives, which offer users a dynamic and informative exploration of the prevalence and nature of anti-Asian hate incidents. Through visualizations and analyses of data trends, users gain a deeper understanding of the issue’s scope and complexity, enabling them to advocate for meaningful change.

Impact of Hub & Being Culturally Accessible

John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice-AAJC), underscores the importance of data-driven advocacy: “Data is “a powerful tool in the fight against anti-Asian hate. By harnessing the insights provided by these narratives, we can shape evidence-based policies and allocate resources where they are most needed.” 

While we hear the stories of Asian hate, many are left untold. Speaking on this, Yang explained, “Too often,” These stories of the impact of Asian hate went untold or were not told with our communities in mind. And, in the face of dramatically increased anti-Asian hate incidents since 2020, when we are seeing our elders attacked, we are seeing our peers hurt. We’re seeing that our community members are afraid to walk outside. We wanted to allow people to understand our community in a different way through this directory.” 

Power of Technology

Merisa Heu-Weller, representing Microsoft, highlights the transformative potential of technology in addressing social challenges, stating, “Technology can be a force for positive change. We are proud to support initiatives like the National Asian Resource Hub, which leverage technology to empower communities and foster inclusivity.”

We all remember the COVID-19 pandemic, which a disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate incidents across America has unfortunately accompanied. Fueled by misinformation, xenophobia, and racism, individuals of Asian descent have faced verbal harassment, physical assaults, and discrimination in various forms. This surge in hate crimes has targeted Asians regardless of nationality, leading to a heightened sense of fear and vulnerability within Asian communities. From derogatory remarks blaming Asians for the pandemic to violent attacks based solely on racial prejudice, the phenomenon of Asian hate during the COVID-19 era highlights deep-seated societal issues that demand attention, education, and proactive measures to combat prejudice and promote solidarity.

Heu-Weller, a third-generation Japanese-American, touched this violence. She said, “To talk about the hub is to remember what we all witnessed in 2020 and beyond, as the surge in COVID led to a surge in anti-Asian violence. It felt like a constant barrage of stories of Asian people being attacked verbally, physically, or mentally. Places of worship and community centers were also being vandalized.” 

In addition to its data narratives, the hub features a comprehensive service directory, offering users access to various support services, including legal assistance, mental health resources, and community organizations. This centralized repository streamlines access to critical aid, ensuring that individuals impacted by anti-Asian hate can readily find the help they need.

Steven Zhang, Deputy Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), underscores the importance of community support networks, stating, “In times” of crisis, solidarity within our communities is essential. The service directory provided by the National Asian Resource Hub strengthens our collective resilience and ensures no one is left behind.”

By consolidating resources and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the National Asian Resource Hub represents a proactive response to the rise in anti-Asian hate incidents. It serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Asian American community, demonstrating the power of collective action in combating hate and promoting inclusivity.

Asian-American Hate Crimes in New York

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, New York has unfortunately witnessed a disturbing increase in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans. Here are some notable examples:

March 2020 – Chinatown Assault: In March 2020, a 59-year-old Asian-American woman was punched in the face multiple times while riding a city bus in Chinatown. The assailant reportedly yelled xenophobic slurs, blaming her for the spread of COVID-19.

February 2021 – Assault on Filipino Woman: A 52-year-old Filipino-American woman was walking to church in Midtown Manhattan when she was violently shoved to the ground without provocation. The attack left her with serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis.

March 2021 – Elderly Man Attacked in Manhattan: A 65-year-old Filipino-American woman was verbally and physically assaulted while walking to church in Manhattan. The attacker reportedly yelled anti-Asian slurs before striking her in the face with an umbrella, leaving her with injuries requiring stitches.

May 2021 – Subway Hate Crime: A 68-year-old Asian-American woman was punched and kicked repeatedly by a man while riding a subway train in Queens. The attack was unprovoked, and the victim sustained injuries to her face and body.

August 2021 – Assault on Street Vendor: A 41-year-old Asian-American street vendor was attacked in Queens by a group of teenagers who threw bottles at him and hurled racial slurs. The incident left him with bruises and lacerations.

These examples represent just a fraction of the hate crimes targeting Asian Americans in New York City since the COVID-19 pandemic began. However, they underscore the urgent need for community support, advocacy, and concrete action to combat racism and xenophobia and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

Call to Action

As the fight against anti-Asian hate continues, the National Asian Resource Hub stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Its interactive data narratives and comprehensive service directory empower individuals to take action and access support in their time of need. Together, we can build a future where every member of the Asian American community feels safe, valued, and respected.

In summary, the launch of the National Asian Resource Hub marks a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle against anti-Asian hate. Through data-driven advocacy and community-driven initiatives, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

  asian hate, hate crimes, racism