One of these days, people are going to learn: racism is not about whether or not you like or have a friend of another people group. Racism is about power, and how systemic structures are used to will that power to the benefit of some at the expense of others. Racist actions are often carried out either through political practices and policies or violence.
Therefore, we must pay attention to racist speech, rhetoric, and practices, and call them out when it happens. A few weeks ago, the President of the United States intentionally renamed the coronavirus, the Chinese virus instead of saying that the virus originated in China. Across the country, there was a rise in public violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans. This has led to a fear within the Asian American community, and a public outcry from those who stand in solidarity with them.
Several weeks ago, I signed a Statement on Anti-Asian Racism in the Time of COVID-19. This is #WhyISignedAACC:
- I value human life. It is true that All Lives Matters, and yet when the lives of a specific community or people group is violently threatened, then we need to come together in support and solidarity with those whose lives are endangered.
- The statement was written by the Asian American Christian Collaborative, and the voices of Asian Americans have drafted the language and are leading this movement of engagement, education, and support.
- I have dear friends, mentors, and leaders who I respect who are a part of this community. I want you to learn and hear directly from their leadership, lives and stories: Kathy Khang (author and podcaster), Vivian Mabuni (author and podcaster), Helen Lee (author and publisher), Margaret Yu (mentor and leader), Nikki Toyama-Szeto (leader and author), Jenny Yang (leader and advocate), Soong-Chan Rah (professor and author), Eugene Cho (global leader and advocate), Gail Song Bantum (pastor and leader), Dorcas Cheng-Tozun (author and leader), and Al Hsu (editor and author).
- I believe that God calls us to humbly pursue justice, right actions in the face of injustice.
You can find out more about the Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC), read and sign the statement, and follow their social media channels to get the most up-to-date information.
The page can also be used to report an incident, get individual or church resources, listen to podcasts, watch videos, and so much more!
Would you please consider signing the statement and sharing with others?
I am so thankful to have this rich community of people to love and learn from. Which Asian Americans are you learning from, and what have you learning?
A SISTA'S JOURNEY 
Sista, I agree with you 100%. Racism of any kind is disgusting. There are some racist acts taking place in China currently, at least there were a few days ago, against Africans. Africans are being evicted without cause from their residences, harassed on the street, etc. China has a huge presence on the African continent, collecting various resources for their benefit. For Chinese citizens to mistreat African, there must be some sick fear or hatred of black folks. Racism and xenophobia have been around for a long time, and it will be here long after we’re gone. Remember Peter’s experience on the rooftop?