Potomac Conservancy statement of solidarity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
/Racism, hatred, and violence have no place in our movement
Image courtesy of Kaitlyn Baker/Unsplash
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021
STATEMENT FROM HEDRICK BELIN, POTOMAC CONSERVANCY PRESIDENT
Response to Rising Hate and Violence Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
The horrific murders of eight people in Atlanta, Georgia, including six women of Asian descent, are another grim reminder that our friends, neighbors, and loved ones are being racially targeted out of hatred and misplaced fear.
Potomac Conservancy condemns the alarming rise in violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). We call on lawmakers at all levels to address root causes of violence, confront systemic racism, reject white supremacy and misogyny, and provide immediate support and mental health services for victims and survivors.
An increase in hate crimes against AAPI nationwide and locally over the past year brings renewed attention to the lived experience of racism and xenophobia this community faces. Sadly, as we know, discrimination against the AAPI community is nothing new in this country or our community.
To those who are experiencing anger, grief, vulnerability, and a heightened sense of fear: we see your pain and join you in doing the hard work to bring about necessary change for a more equitable and humane world.
Our staff and Board will continue to look internally – within our organization and the greater environmental movement – to recognize our contributions to systems of oppression and make necessary changes to evolve in service to our community and our mission.
It’s incumbent on each of us – as individuals, organizations, and leaders – in our community to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and safe in public and outdoor spaces. We celebrate the diversity of people who recreate on and along the Potomac’s waters, including AAPI, but we must do more to ensure everyone enjoys the right to positive experiences outside.
We simply cannot achieve a safe and healthy Potomac River without a safe and healthy community. Hatred, ignorance, and discrimination are antithetical to the progress and well-being we aim to foster through our local clean water initiatives.
Join us in taking action for justice. Here are just a few ways you can help:
Donate to Asian American-led groups who are making a difference:
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence
Report hate or share your own story with Asian Americans Advancing Justice:
Support a community-centered response to violence against AAPI communities by signing Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta’s collective statement:
Create a diverse and inclusive community of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the outdoors with Outdoor Asian:
Instagram: @outdoorasian
Participate in a bystander intervention training with Hollaback:
Other resources:
