Sisters and brothers –
By now you’ve probably heard of the horrific shooting in Atlanta, GA that targeted those of Asian descent. This tragedy is just the latest in a string of violent attacks against our Asian American & Pacific Islander brothers and sisters.
Unfortunately, it stands as yet another terrible reminder that when we talk about injustice against people of color, it includes people of all colors. For decades, members of the AAPI community have faced the same discrimination, prejudice, and violence that has been directed at Black and Brown people.
Hateful rhetoric around the Coronavirus pandemic – stoked in large part by the previous presidential administration and far right elected officials – has led to a sharp increase in attacks directed at our AAPI sisters and brothers. In the past year, there have been over 4,000 reported assaults on Asian Americans.
We stand in solidarity with our AAPI sisters and brothers against racist violence and white supremacy.
The AAPI members of our union family have been serving on the frontlines during this pandemic in a variety of essential roles. We mourn with them, and with the families of those murdered and injured in these attacks.
Let me be clear: these are hate crimes committed by domestic terrorists.
SEIU leaders will fight to hold officials accountable for investigating these incidents and prosecuting those responsible to the full extent of the law. Our SEIU API Caucus is convening a national call with organizations in Georgia who are leading this fight, and locally, SEIU 721 will be convening a series of meetings with community partners and immigrant rights groups across Los Angeles.
SEIU 721 continues to stand with our AAPI community and will use our strong, collective voice to push for justice in the wake of this senseless violence.
Stay safe, stay strong and stay united for one another.
In unity,
Linda Dent
President SEIU Local 721