The following statement was released on March 21 from the Northborough Diversity & Inclusion Committee chaired by Selectmen Tim Kaelin.
To all members of the Northborough community:
The Asian-American and Pacific Islanders community (AAPI) has experienced, and continues to deal with, a tremendous rise of physical assaults and harassment since the beginning of the pandemic. There have been 3,800 acts of violence and discrimination against the AAPI. On Tuesday, March 16, the AAPI community was targeted in Atlanta, resulting in the murder of six Asian women and two additional victims. These women were Asian, but they were also mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends.
Anti-Asian racism has long persisted prior to COVID-19. We are deeply saddened by these acts of violence against the AAPI communities, and we stand firmly in solidarity with our AAPI neighbors, friends, co-workers, classmates, and family in condemning all forms of hate and violence.
It is unconscionable that these acts of violent racism continue to take place. As a community, we take steps every day to better understand how we can be more supportive of those who have been historical marginalized. This effort needs to include all members of our town. Words of support, healing and praying are appreciated, but they are not enough. Anti-Asian bigotry, and racism in any form, that is not actively opposed is a threat to everyone, no matter who you are.
Every resident in Northborough has the opportunity to make a difference. One of the most effective ways is to stay informed and educate yourself and your family. Listed below are some resources to better understand what we are up against.
Listen to different perspectives, get information from a variety of sources, and be open-minded.
Collectively, we can support and uplift those that experience racism.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice is an advocacy-centered organization where you can get involved. The organization is launching free bystander intervention training and has created a “Stand Against Hatred” platform to document hate to educate and raise awareness.
Instagram accounts to follow for continued learning:
- Connie Wun
- AAPI Women Lead
- Michelle Kim An article to read by Michelle Kim, “On Anti-Asian Hate Crimes: Who is Our Real Enemy?”
- Jenny Wang
- Angry Asian Feminist
- Kim Saira
- Sherry C Wang
- Dear Asian Youth
- Next Shark
- Amanda Nguyễn
AAPI organizations to support:
- AAPI Women Lead: I Am Ready Movement
- Rise Now
- Next Shark publications
- TurnOut (Support the Oakland Chinatown Coalition)
- Send Chinatown Love (Supporting Asian-owned small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19)
- Stop AAPI Hate (Tracking and reporting the surge in racism and xenophobia)
Articles to read to learn more about the experience of individuals within the AAPI community: