August 15, 2017
WASHINGTON – Today, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statements against white supremacy and the resulting violence that took place this past weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we mourn for the victims of this tragedy who join an already long list of lives lost in the country’s long and continuing journey towards racial equity,” said Kathy Ko Chin, APIAHF president and CEO. “In this moment, we must as a nation reaffirm our values of equality and justice for all. We must remain dedicated to ending not only the violence, but also the systematic oppression and racial injustices faced by all communities of color. We must call out those who incite hatred and bigotry through words, actions, laws and policies, and continue working towards a more equitable and inclusive country for all.”
“When one of us is attacked, all of us must respond. The Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian community stands alongside the African American community and all those who felt unsafe by the acts of domestic terrorism and hateful protest in Charlottesville this weekend,” said Mark Keam, APIAHF board member and member of the Virginia House of Delegates. “I believe that our country is paying full attention and will collectively act to eradicate this cancer of racism and hate from our body politic.”