By Bethany Good
In March, our nation was rocked by the racially motivated mass shooting of Asian American spa workers in an Atlanta suburb. In Ellicott City, four Asian restaurants were burglarized and vandalized during the Lunar New Year in February. These are not isolated incidents, they are part of a larger national trend that has seen a dramatic increase in violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in our country. In Maryland alone hate crimes targeting AAPI individuals have more than doubled since 2018.
What Maryland is Doing to Help
In March, Governor Larry Hogan spoke out against AAPI violence. He and the first lady Yumi Hogan toured Asian American businesses in Howard County. He directed state law enforcement officials to increase enhanced visibility patrols and protection for Asian citizens. In May, the Howard County School board approved a measure to include more curriculum dedicated to AAPI studies. The board also declared May, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders Month.
At BWN we are committed to stopping all racist violence and supporting AAPI folks. We have the power to affect change for those living and working in our community.
Here are a few ways to stop xenophobia and show your support:
- Stop racist remarks when you see or hear them
- Patronize Asian American owned businesses
- Donate to organizations that help AAPI people in need (see list below)
- Report incidents to the state’s Hate Crimes Hotline at 866-481-8361.
- Support Asian American artists, speakers, and educators, by attending galleries and talks.
- Educate yourself on the rich history and cultural contributions of AAPI individuals in our country
BWN is Committed to Stopping Racist Violence
BWN is committed to stopping racist violence against all minority groups, including our AAPI and African American friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
We continue to support the Black Lives Matter movement, along with other anti-racist causes.
BWN stands firmly in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and all it stands for. We believe that the killing of innocent African American people has to stop. We believe in common-sense reforms in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Local Organizations that Support Asian Americans:
ASHA for Women Located in Rockville, MD this nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing support to South Asian women living in abusive marriages and homes. Created in 1989 by South Asians to circumvent many of the language, cultural, and social barriers that can stop many from seeking help, ASHA has helped hundreds of women and children move on to lead safer, happier lives.
Asian American Center of Frederick provides a host of programs to help Asian American’s in Frederick, Maryland. Their work includes providing food assistance, financial help, education, and workforce development services among others.
The Pro Bono Counseling Project (PBCP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded with the goal of connecting uninsured and under-insured low-income Marylanders with compassionate and qualified mental health professionals who provide care on a volunteer basis at no cost.
Click here for a complete list.
About the Author of June’s BWN Spotlight
The Good Writing Company • Bethany Good
Bethany Good is the CEO, and “Head Wordsmith” of The Good Writing Co. She is a prolific poet and creative writer. Her love of the written word began early and has remained a steadfast passion in her life. Ever the optimist, she chose to study English Literature, Journalism, and Creative Writing in College. Concerned about the job market, her folks questioned the choice, but ultimately remained supportive. For over 25 years she has honed her craft through poetry, short fiction, meta criticism, and editing. As a digital native, she followed a natural path into blogging and social media management. In 2019 she finally found the role she was meant to play when she founded Good Writing Co., which provides copywriting, digital marketing, and content writing services.
You can find her writing here https://medium.com/me/stories/public
Bethany Good is also a wife and mother of two elementary-aged children. In her limited free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, yoga, and telling neighborhood kids to get off her lawn.