We Must Stand Together in Condemning Racial Violence and Hatred

The horrific attack this week at three spas in Atlanta, Georgia, that left eight people dead, including six Asian women, highlighted an ugly surge in recent months of racially-fueled violence, hatred and harassment across the country aimed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). In California and the Bay Area, according to the group Stop AAPI Hate, reports of violence, harassment and discrimination have also spiked in recent months, accounting for more than 40 percent of the nation’s total. The Bay Area Council condemns these hideous attacks in the strongest possible terms.

“There is absolutely no place in this world for any form of racial violence, hatred and discrimination,” said Council CEO Jim Wunderman. “We all have a responsibility to root out and stamp out racial hatred wherever it exists. Our nation’s diversity defines us and is one of its greatest strengths that enriches all of us. We stand with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in calling for an end to racial hatred and violence. We must work harder to increase and expand acceptance and tolerance for each other.”

The surge in violence against the AAPI community comes at the same time racial tensions have escalated in the wake of the killing of George Floyd last May. The Council recently partnered with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group on its Pledge 25×25 campaign to increase diversity in company boardrooms and executive ranks. And we are partnering with the American Heart Association’s Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund to support organizations that are working to provide greater economic opportunities for Black Americans. To engage in the Council’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, please contact Policy Associate Leslie Alfaro.