The two-week fundraising initiative, running this month, pays tribute to Asian American businesses and talent
In March this year, the US was hit by a wave of “Stop Asian Hate” protests. The rallies were sparked by a series of tragic racist hate crimes, specifically targeting members of the east and southeast Asian community. These attacks rose sharply during the Covid pandemic, and have shown no signs of easing even in its aftermath.
A Community Project is a new fundraising initiative that aims to support the Stop Asian Hate movement, started by started by Tiff Chang, Sakiko Yamagata, Serie Yoon, Kathy Kim, Jen Lee and Vivien Lee. The online event, which runs until May 19, features contributions from over 70 Asian-identifying artists, designers and photographers, as well as some Asian-owned businesses and brands. All proceeds from the donations will go towards the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) – an organisation that provides legal services to local Asian Americans, advice for low-income people and new immigrants, and trains students in public interest law.
“In light of the tragedies that have unfolded in the Asian diaspora community over the course of the year, we’ve launched A Community Project,” explains Chang, one of the initiative’s founders. She says that the group chose AALDEF because it “protects and promotes the civil rights” of Asian Americans.
“Our goal not only includes raising donations for AALDEF but aims to pay tribute to Asian American businesses and talents within our communities, both at home and abroad,” she adds. “As we observe AAPI Heritage month, we invite you to make a memorable impact by coming together for this effort.”
You can find out more about A Community Project on the initiative’s official website, or on its Instagram.
Earlier this week, the UK launched its own chapter of the Stop Asian Hate movement. You can learn more, or contribute to the organisation’s GoFundMe, here.
