Asian Americans for Community Involvement and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian have scheduled virtual panel discussions in May under the theme “Understanding the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Experience,” featuring a group of AAPI leaders and community members.
The discussions aim to provide a foundation for understanding the AAPI community, including its culture and history, origins of prejudice and violence, and notions of identity within the AAPI community.
A discussion on “Our Diverse AAPI Community” was held May 13. Two events remain.
• 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday: “Prejudice and Violence.” Where does the prejudice come from? What causes the violence? What can people do about it? Panelists will include California Attorney General Rob Bonta; Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Johnny Gogo; and Helen Hsu, lead outreach specialist, staff psychologist, Asian-American specialist and lecturer at Stanford University.
• 6:30-8 p.m. May 27: “Notions of Identity.” How does the AAPI community see and describe itself? How is it seen and described by others? Panelists will include Foothill College president Thuy Thi Nguyen; Phillip Yun, CEO of the World Affairs Council; and Pawan Dinghra, professor of American studies at Amherst College.
To register and for more information, visit tinyurl.com/understandingaapi or aaci.org.
Taking a stand
Simitian said the program has been in the works for many months and predates the most recent surge in anti-Asian incidents. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which seemed a “particularly appropriate time for the series,” he noted.
“Over the last year, and in recent months, our communities – our friends, family, colleagues and neighbors – have experienced a resurgence in harassment and violence,” Simitian said. “It’s appalling and unacceptable.”
Like other elected officials, he said he has been able to participate in public rallies.
“But a rally is not enough to break down long-standing prejudice, violence and exclusionary practices,” Simitian added. “Real change requires understanding – a willingness to listen, engage and do the necessary work. I hope that people will join AACI and me to better understand our county’s diverse Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities.”
Sarita Kohli, president & CEO of AACI, said she is “deeply outraged” by the racially motived attacks and crimes against Asian Americans.
“We need to come together as a community and stand against xenophobia, hate and violence,” Kohli said. “AACI is honored to join Supervisor Simitian and provide an opportunity for discussion and understanding about the diversity of experiences that exist within the AAPI community. We hope that knowledge and empathy will empower our communities to support each other and heal together.”
