Contextualizing AAPI history and oppression: Moving toward solidarity, strength, and resilience

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of racial discrimination towards Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have substantially increased. Anti-Asian rhetoric touted by political leaders and media outlets that refer to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” echo historical sentiments of anti-Asian oppression and invalidate the significant contributions that AAPI communities have made in American history. The following presentation provides a brief historical overview of anti-Asian discrimination among diverse AAPI ethnic subgroups and celebrates the ways that AAPI communities have significantly contributed to American history. Finally, messages for multiracial solidarity and hopefulness will be shared that center the resilience and strength of the AAPI community.