Issue One statement on the #StopAsianHate day of action

Today has been designated a “national day of healing and action” to #StopAsianHate by Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) activists in response to the ongoing wave of hate crimes against members of their communities. Issue One released the following statement in solidarity with the AAPI community:

“The surge of racism and xenophobia against the AAPI community during the pandemic, most recently and horrifically evidenced by the massacre in Atlanta, must end. 

As we’ve repeatedly seen over the course of the last 12 months, words matter, and rhetoric has the power to inflame and incite anger until it boils over into violence. 

Violence against the AAPI community is not new in America. As with other communities of color, it is an unfortunate part of our history. It cannot be part of our future. 

We are in a historic moment where we will decide what kind of country we want to become. Now is the time for our nation to embrace its great promise and ensure that everyone — regardless of race, religion, legal status, sexual orientation, and gender identity — has a voice in our democracy and can live with dignity, security, and respect.”