Featured photo by Nell Carroll. Check out their their website here!
Tomorrow marks a brand new year in the lunisolar calendar and celebrations in many Asian countries including China, South Korea and Vietnam. Here in Austin we would normally be preparing for parades, fireworks and festivals at parks and cultural centers across the city. Unfortunately, the threat of COVID-19, coupled with spikes in anti-asian violence across the country, have meant celebrations are cancelled or being moved to virtual platforms.
As the festivities run for 15 days, we’ll take some time tomorrow to cover more of the joyous history and traditions of the lunar new year on our social channels. Today, we want to make it clear that we stand in solidarity with Asian communities - here in Austin and beyond.
We condemn the racist violence that - while not new - has reached new heights in the midst of this pandemic. We are committed to ensuring that our parks, trails and green spaces are welcoming to everyone.
Below are a few resources to learn more, get involved and find out how you can help today. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into how we’ll be showing up for our Asian neighbors now, and going forward.
NEWS
String of attacks against older Asians leaves big city Chinatowns on edge
By Sakshi Venkatraman
NBC News
Opinion: Anti-Asian Racism Compounds the COVID-19 Crisis for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence
By Darlene Lanham
Austin Chronicle
Coronavirus in Austin: Asian American businesses eye reopening amid pandemic-related racism concerns
By Bob Sechler
Austin American Statesman
AUSTIN ORGANIZATIONS
Austin Asian Community Health Initiative (AACHI) - Local health resources in multiple languages
Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA) - Safety planning, counseling, resources and support in multiple languages
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce - Support and economic advocacy for AAPI business leaders
RESOURCES
City of Austin AAPI Quality of Life Advisory Commission
City of Austin Asian American Resource Center (AARC)
Austin Asian American Cultural Center (AACC)
Stop AAPI Hate - Educational info, statistics and COVID-related racism reports
