May marks Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) month in the US to celebrate the histories, cultures and achievements of Americans from the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.
The combined AAPI communities are a diverse and fast-growing population of 23 million Americans; which includes roughly 50 ethnic groups with roots in more than 40 countries. In his proclamation speech this year to mark AAPI month, US President Joe Biden acknowledged key Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in government.
“Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPIs) represent us at every level of government, including Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Vice President of South Asian descent; Ambassador Katherine Tai, the first Asian American United States Trade Representative; and Dr Arati Prabhakar, who is the first South Asian American to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy,” stated President Joe Biden. “Earlier this year, I was also proud to nominate Julie Su to serve as the Secretary of Labor. From historic Oscar-winning performances in film to achievements across business, culture, sports, and civil rights, AA and NHPIs shape and strengthen the fabric of this Nation. We see their contributions as business owners and caregivers as well as their service in the military and on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
INCLUSION PLAN TO COMBAT RACISM
Biden also acknowledged the persistent racism, harassment, and hate crimes against these communities: “Attacks on Asian American women and elders have left too many families afraid to leave their homes and too many loved ones traumatised.”
More recently, his administration launched the first-ever National Strategy to Advance Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities. “This plan reflects my Administration’s commitment to improving the lives of AA and NHPIs – ensuring that the census collects accurate data so they are properly reflected when new policy is made; advancing safety, inclusion, and belonging for AA and NHPI communities; promoting language access and preservation; advancing AA and NHPI representation in the Federal workforce; and striving toward an equitable COVID-19 recovery,” added Biden.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR AAPI BUSINESS OWNERS
The administration is also creating economic opportunities for AA and NHPI workers and business owners. “The Small Business Administration has distributed nearly $16 billion in loans to AA and NHPI entrepreneurs since I took office. I was proud to sign Executive Orders to ensure the Federal workforce reflects the diversity of the American people. Our efforts are paying off. In the Asian American community, unemployment has fallen by more than half since I took office, and as of 2021, entrepreneurship had risen at the fastest rate in over a decade,” he added.
However, the US President also admitted that despite the progress to advance equity and opportunity, the work is far from done. “To help more AA and NHPIs see themselves in the story of America, I signed historic legislation bringing us closer to creating the National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture; to honour the traditional practices and ancestral pathways of Pacific Island voyagers, I expanded protections for the Pacific Remote Islands. To help Americans reckon with and learn from more shameful chapters of our history, I signed into law the Amache National Historic Site Act, which establishes a memorial to the 10,000 Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated at Amache during World War II. Facing past wrongs helps us build a more just and equitable future,” concluded Biden.
TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF AAPI COMMUNITIES
On its two-year anniversary, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), founded in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and to address the long-standing underinvestment in AAPI communities, announced its first year success of the $1.1 billion Giving Challenge. It also unveiled its Portfolio Strategy, committing $65 million in direct funding over five years to bring transformational impact to the lives of AAPIs and their communities.
In its first year, TAAF’s partners exceeded their original Giving Challenge commitments, providing over $590 million towards AAPI initiatives, and $140 million in direct funding to over 100 AAPI organisations to support their programmes and expand their capacity and infrastructure. TAAF is now announcing a pledge of $65 million over five years and invites co-investments from new and existing partners towards each of TAAF’s four core portfolios: Anti-Hate, Education, Narrative Change, and Resources & Representation. TAAF will provide non-profits one-time grants for specific programs or multi-year grants aimed at capacity-building to deepen impact and ensure long-term sustainability. In addition, TAAF will continue to execute its own unique initiatives and events to meet the evolving needs of the community.
“Our community is galvanised to work together and find solutions for fighting anti-Asian hate, bringing education to schools and reclaiming our narratives in the media. That’s why TAAF’s Portfolio Strategy focuses on four core initiatives: Anti-Hate, Education, Narrative Change, and Resources & Representation,” said Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF. “We are excited to commit $65 million of direct funding over five years and invite our partners to co-invest and multiply this investment to create unprecedented change. We are grateful to our inaugural non-profit partners for the incredible work they continue to do on the frontlines. Together we are building a better future for all AAPIs.”
HOW TO BE A RESPECTFUL ALLY
So what can you do to celebrate AAPI Month respectfully and be an active ally to the community. Here are a few suggestions:
- Learn about the rich AAPI histories and cultures, through attending events (virtual and in-person), reading books, watching documentaries/films, and having meaningful conversations with your AAPI colleagues at work.
- Support your local AAPI-owned businesses.
- Follow organisations like Stop AAPI Hate, to learn about the continuing discrimination the community still faces, and speak out against hate and discrimination if you see it at work, home or in your local community.
- Support and donate to AAPI organisations, such as TAAF.
- Offer help and support throughout the year, not just in May.
RELATED ARTICLES
Corporate America backs the launch of TAAF to help fight discrimination directed at AAPI communities in the US.
The overall perceptions of Asian Americans are worsening in the US as most Americans fail to understand AAPI experiences, confirmed the latest findings from LAAUNCH and TAAF.
Non-profit Ascend has launched the 10×25 Initiative, which aims to have at least 10% of AAPI directors serving on Fortune 1000 boards by 2025.
Asian workers report feeling the least included at work, reveals report.
Sign up for our newsletter
