The Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (HSDC) condemns the violence in Georgia, which took the lives of eight people, including six Asian Americans, as well as the recent attacks here in Washington State and across the country. We grieve for the lives lost and the harm inflicted.
Asians and Asian Americans are part of the American story. Our country is a better place because of the contributions that they have made to every part of our culture since the very beginning. They are our relatives, friends, colleagues and community members, including our BIPOC Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and speech diverse staff, board members, and clients. We stand in solidarity together.
Unfortunately, anti-Asian racism has grown increasingly worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. This hatred is part of a long history of xenophobia and white supremacy in the United States. We must acknowledge this truth in order for things to change for the better.
Asians and Asian Americans represent many unique communities, cultures, and backgrounds, often including Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Merging these experiences together makes their uniqueness invisible. We must acknowledge every one of their truths in order to heal from the trauma and pain that racism has inflicted on our country.
HSDC welcomes people of all races, cultures, and identities. Our growth will continue to center racial equity in order to move toward our vision of an inclusive, accessible world where everyone is understood and respected. This work is more than worth the effort so that Asian Americans and all BIPOC people feel supported and empowered by our services.
To learn more about HSDC’s anti-racism work, read our Equity Commitments.
Below are some resources to help end anti-Asian hate.
Actions and Education
- What you can do to fight violence and racism against Asian Americans (PBS Newshour)
- In Solidarity with the Asian-American Community (Launch)
- Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources to Stand Against Racism (Asian Americans Advancing Justice)
Reporting Anti-Asian Incidents
Bystander Intervention
- Online workshops (Hollaback!)
- Don’t be a Bystander: 6 Tips for Responding to Racist Attacks (BCRW)
If you would like to support local organizations serving the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs has a comprehensive directory.