Dear Advocates,
Today, we commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks that devastated New York City and the country. We honor the memory of those who perished on that tragic day, including civilians, journalists, reporters, fire fighters, law enforcement, and those who courageously assisted others in need.
This somber occasion conjures up moments of fear and anxiety for the Asian American community. Following the attack, there was a surge of racial profiling, hate crimes, and xenophobia that targeted the Arab, South Asian, Muslim, and Sikh communities in the United States. Since then, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has endured hate, discrimination, and scapegoating for perceived threats to our national security. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the anti-Asian violence and harassment across the country.
OCA is committed to the fight for justice, equity, and inclusion of our community at all levels of society. However, we recognize that our struggle is not isolated from the struggles of other marginalized groups. We are part of a larger movement for social justice that spans across generations. This movement has been inspired and influenced by many leaders and activists who have fought for civil rights and human dignity in the face of oppression and violence, including Martin Luther King Jr., whose family joined Rev. Al Sharpton to bring together members of the Black, Latino, and AAPI communities for the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington.
Dr. King envisioned a world where people are not judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. He urged us to act with courage and conviction in the face of injustice. To honor his legacy, we must stand up against the rise of anti-Asian hate that came after 9/11 and that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. We demand respect and dignity for all people, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnicity.
In these uncertain times, we must not let fear and prejudice divide us and let our biases define us. Join us on this day of remembrance and solidarity and fight for justice and inclusion.
In solidarity,
Linda Ng
National President, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
