The Asian American Foundation, established in the wake of increased anti-Asian hate during the coronavirus pandemic, will host a Heritage Month Summit in New York City next month. Notable figures such as actor Steven Yeun, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and actor Maulik Pancholy will attend the conference, which will feature panels on civil rights, extremism, and representation. The summit will also highlight Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs in sectors like nonprofits, food, and philanthropy. The foundation was created in 2021 by Asian American business leaders and has already secured over $1 billion in donor pledges for AAPI organizations through the “AAPI Giving Challenge.”
The spike in verbal, physical, and online attacks against the AAPI community since the start of the pandemic, which was falsely linked to China, prompted the establishment of the foundation. Stop AAPI Hate, a reporting center, documented more than 9,000 incidents between March 2020 and June 2021. The goal of the foundation is to address the critical gaps in support for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and to end the historic underinvestment in these communities. The Heritage Month Summit, scheduled for May 2-3, aims to bring attention to these issues and celebrate the achievements of AAPI individuals in various fields.
The summit will provide a platform for discussions on key issues affecting the AAPI community, including civil rights and representation. It will also showcase the contributions of AAPI entrepreneurs in different sectors, highlighting their impact on society. The event will bring together AAPI leaders and activists to collaborate on strategies to combat hate and discrimination, while also promoting unity and solidarity within the community. Through panel discussions and showcases, the summit will emphasize the importance of supporting and uplifting AAPI voices and experiences.
The foundation’s efforts to secure funding for AAPI organizations through the “AAPI Giving Challenge” have been instrumental in addressing the lack of resources and support available to these communities. By mobilizing donors and raising awareness about the challenges faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the foundation has made significant strides in closing the gap in funding and investment. The Heritage Month Summit will serve as a platform to continue this work and to amplify the voices of AAPI individuals who have been marginalized and underserved for far too long.
The participation of prominent figures like Steven Yeun, Michelle Wu, and Maulik Pancholy in the summit reflects the diversity and talent within the AAPI community. Their presence at the event will not only draw attention to the important issues being discussed but also inspire others to get involved in supporting and advocating for AAPI rights and opportunities. The conference will serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, demonstrating the resilience and strength of a community that continues to thrive and succeed despite facing adversity. The Heritage Month Summit will be a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against anti-Asian hate and discrimination, as well as a celebration of the rich heritage and contributions of the AAPI community.
