As Violence Against Asian Americans Intensifies, the Moment for Philanthropy to Act Is Now

On Tuesday, eight people were shot dead in separate incidents in Atlanta. At least six of these victims were Asian American women. This is the latest — and most violent — following months of senseless attacks on Asian Americans in our nation.

It is nothing short of terrorism, especially directed against Asian American women. And it is time for philanthropy to do a lot more to curb the rising violence and hatred by using the power of its voice and its grant dollars. (Although the New York Times reported that the shooter denies a racial motivation, the targeting of Asian businesses and the murder of six Asian women is no less chilling to the Asian community and still needs investigation.)

Grant makers should follow the lead of President Biden, who said last week, “It’s wrong, it’s un-American, and it must stop.” He said this during his first prime-time speech, which focused on the passage of the $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package. It’s significant that even in remarks meant to put the spotlight on actions to end the health and economic crisis, the president felt the need to call out this rash of violence against Asian Americans in communities across the country. He has also signed an executive order on this matter.

According to Stop AAPI Hate, more than 3,800 incidents of anti-Asian hate have been documented since March 2020, and with increased lethality. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus plans to hold a hearing this week. While some policy makers and the media are beginning to shed light on this issue and take action, the philanthropic sector has done little. That is in part because Asians are invisible across the foundation world, even during a moment of tremendous vulnerability.

Click here to read the full letter to the editor.

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy