Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Statement in Support of AAPI Communities

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance staff and board are deeply hurt and angered about the senseless murders in Atlanta, GA last week of eight people, six of whom were Asian women. We stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

Anti-Asian discrimination is not new, but has been on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic. According to the Pew Research Center, about four-in-ten U.S. adults say it has become more common for people to express racist views toward Asians since the pandemic began. In addition, Pennsylvania and New Jersey are among the states with the highest number of such attacks.

As a membership organization and leader in the arts and culture sector, we know it is our responsibility to stand against racism and injustice in every form and we know there is still more we must do. Today, the Cultural Alliance shares this message to affirm our commitment to being a partner and agent of change in the pursuit of social justice. We will continue to amplify the diverse voices and talents of our community to ensure that they are not only heard, but truly seen.

If you or someone you know experiences an anti-Asian attack, please report it at stopaapihate.org. You can learn more about being an active bystander in this post by Anti-Racism Daily and also raise awareness about this issue by following and using the hashtag #StopAAPIHate on social media.

Here are some other resources for supporting the AAPI community in Philadelphia:

  1. 17+ ways to support Asian Americans in Philly from the Philadelphia Citizen
  2. Anti-Asian hate: Silence is not an option and allyship needs to be more than a hashtag from Generocity
  3. How to Support the Asian-American Community in Philly from Thrillist
  4. Attend a Solidarity Rally on March 25 or Day of Action on March 27
  5. Attend Asian Art Initiative’s "Unity at the Initiative" Artist Town Hall on March 29

You can also explore arts and culture social justice resources on our website and join our DEI Affinity Group meetings by emailing dei@philaculture.org.