Casey Family Programs stands in solidarity with AAPI communities across our nation

At a time when many are beginning to feel a sense of hope as we begin the long recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are confronting a disturbing rise in violence and racism targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Eight innocent lives were taken in Georgia. We mourn those murdered and we say their names: Daoyou Feng, Hyun J. Grant, Suncha Kim, Paul Andre Michels, Soon C. Park, Xiaojie Tan, Delaina Ashley Yaun and Yong A. Yue. Our hearts go out to their families and all those affected by what can only be understood as an attack motived by hate and ignorance.

As a national foundation working to support the well-being of all children and families, Casey Family Programs condemns this violence. We are committed to helping address and end systemic and institutional racism and the resulting inequities that have undermined Black, LatinX, Native American, LGTBQ+, AAPI and so many marginalized communities for generations. This lies at the heart of building Communities of Hope.

The spike in violence aimed at AAPI communities, including children, families and elders, appears to be another dire consequence of COVID-19 — not the disease itself, but the way some have chosen to respond to it. The words we use and the actions we take matter. COVID-19 is a disease that affects all of humanity, and no country, race or culture should be targeted.

Today’s surge in violence and racism is rooted in history. Like other historically marginalized populations, Asian Americans are impacted by the trauma and legacy of racist and exclusionary policies such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, among others.

As a nation, we can overcome and recover from any crisis when we embrace our collective responsibility for ensuring the health and well-being of all communities. Every person deserves to be safe and to feel safe in their own homes, communities and the country in which they live. That must be our way forward in confronting the challenges of ignorance, inequity and injustice.

It is imperative that we recognize the injustice and inequity that have limited the opportunities, dreams and lives of too many communities of color. We must work as allies to dismantle the obstacles to well-being for all children and families and replace them with shared respect, shared understanding and a shared belief in the power of hope.