From January-February 2021, Santa Clara County alone received 731 reports of anti-Asian assaults and attacks.
While our organization has now been educated on the legal definitions that distinguish how the law views a “Hate Crime” versus a “Hate Incident”, we denounce any actions that alienate, berate, or inflict harm and pose threats to community members – and in this particular context, our larger Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
Back in March, our local policy organizing team hosted several Listening Sessions with FilAm families, seniors, and students. We created a space that welcomed everyone into an emotionally safe environment where our members could speak frankly and openly about their experiences with law enforcement, their opinions on ways to combat hatred, and how to increase awareness – and celebration – of multiculturalism within the Asian American community.
L.E.A.D Filipino was one of the “Bend the Arc” grant recipients awarded from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. These grants were awarded to grassroots and nonprofit groups that advance initiatives and programs that address racial equity and justice.
Through the funding of the “Bend the Arc” grant, we will continue the work of our Listening & Action Sessions throughout this summer and fall. By learning about the needs and experiences of the FilAm community, we will communicate all that we hear to local policymakers as we all work toward stopping Asian Hate.
To arrange a Listening Session with our team, please contact Camille@leadfilipino.org
