A letter from the desk of PBDG’s Executive Director

Dear Friends,

“We’ve been taught to be quiet.” When I asked my Asian American colleague today how they were feeling about the latest wave of violence in this country, this was the response. “My mom and dad would get pushed around at work, but I was told not to interfere. Literally, ‘don’t cause problems.’”

It has been almost a century since Japanese Americans were bussed to internment camps, but anti-Asian sentiment continues to oppress an entire collection of cultures. It is not one country or community that has been the latest victim of violence, but an entire race. Racism is again at the heart of a catastrophic attack on Americans who are just trying to live and thrive in their homes and businesses.

On Tuesday, eight people were killed in an act of domestic terrorism.

“To be Asian American is to be overlooked.” Let us come together as a community recognize the oppression and violence that has been swept under the rug for more than 100 years. Let us hold space for these experiences and honor the individuals who have kept quiet while harassed, abused, and once again terrorized. Let us as a community draw from this vicious attack an opportunity to support our compatriots.

PBDG staff, members, partners, and members in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, we stand with you.

Sincerely,

Kenechi Onyeagusi