Silence is not an option. We must stand up and stand together to Stop Anti-Asian Hate.

It was one month ago when ICIC responded to the disturbing rise in racist rhetoric, harassment, and violence Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have experienced since the start of the pandemic with our commitment to proudly support and serve as an ally, resource, advocate, and partner to the AAPI community.

Sadly, these reprehensible acts of hate continue to escalate across the country.

In a report released on Tuesday, Stop AAPI Hate, the national coalition formed last year to prevent discrimination during the pandemic, said it had received reports of nearly 3,800 incidents since March 2020. On Tuesday night, eight people were killed in Atlanta, including six women of Asian descent. It marked yet another targeted attack against AAPI persons.

ICIC grieves with and supports our AAPI community and all victims of bias, racism, and violence.  But to say we are saddened and outraged by the increase in of these senseless acts of violence does not say enough. We are appalled.

Let our grief and anger spur us to action, and to unite us against xenophobia and discrimination.

There are many ways to get involved and channel those feelings, including making a financial contribution or volunteer hours, to organizations on the frontlines of these issues.

Silence is not an option. We must stand up and stand together to stop Anti-Asian hate.

• National Coalition for Asian Pacific Americans Community Development (National CAPACD)
• Stop AAPI Hate
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice