Our CEO’s Message to the Community Regarding Anti-Asian Violence

Dear Community,

I know you are hurting. I know you are enraged.

The number of hate incidents against Asian Americans in our country continues to grow. Most recently here in Los Angeles, the attack against a Korean American U.S. military veteran in his own neighborhood is horrific. While this insidious violence is finally being talked about more widely, you might be asking about where you can turn for help or what can you do to stop this racism.

I want you to know that we are here. Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Los Angeles has free resources and services.

If you need help, we offer free assistance for the most vulnerable in our community in Southern California — low-income, limited-English proficient immigrants. We have a confidential multi-lingual helpline available in English and five Asian languages. We have a victim’s advocate to help you navigate resources and support. We have legal services, including monthly housing rights legal clinics to help folks stay in their housing, especially now during the pandemic.

If you want to take action and protect your family and neighbors, sign up for free bystander training here.

And if you are an ally, help fund our anti-Asian discrimination project so we can continue our fight against hate.

Our network of lawyers has been fighting for social justice and equity for all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. If you want to join our fight, please subscribe so we can let you know how to push our leaders to make laws that ensure the well-being of our diverse communities. And you can be part of our ongoing conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

We know that there are cultural stigmas that sometimes prevent our AANHPI community members, especially elders and recent immigrants, from reaching out for help.

If you want to do just one thing, I urge you to let someone know that there is help.

And if you are afraid, please know that we are here to help.

Sincerely,

Connie Chung Joe
CEO
Asian Americans Advancing Justice — Los Angeles