To My Fellow OA AAPI

Dear AAPI Educators of Equitas,

I had wanted to share my thoughts on the rise of anti-asian hate when Vicha Ratanapakdee, 84, died from being shoved to the ground in San Francisco.

I then thought I should make an Instagram post when an opposing basketball player used “Coronavirus” as a slur against Jeremy Lin during a professional basketball game. 

And I knew I had to create space for us to discuss the violent hate crime against an Asian-American army veteran, taken place just steps away from EQ2 in Los Angeles’ Koreatown.

But I didn’t.

And there were literally thousands of opportunities where I could’ve spoken up and brought greater focus toward the heartbreaking rise of anti-Asian hate crimes across the county. Sometimes I feel I couldn’t ask our team, already shouldering the enormous weight of teaching and lifting an entire community, to carry any more emotional weight, especially of another group in deep pain. 

Then there’s that annoying little Asian inner critic in me that shames me into feeling exceedingly inconsiderate and selfish for even thinking about bothering other people with my personal issues and my feelings. 

But when I think about all the AAPI kids who may start to doubt their self-worth and not speak up fast and furious in demanding justice, equal protections, and equal rights, that voice disappears. I will play no role in letting any of them feel like they matter less as a result of my inaction. As an Asian-American educator who found the heart to teach from my immigrant story and the courage to lead from growing up as an American, I will not tolerate that.

We are all heartbroken, confused, and unsure of what we can or should do. Yet, I know it’s important that you hear from me now, as a leader, as a kin, and as a colleague who’ve chosen the same arena–education–to advance the world forward. I want you to hear me say that you matter, I matter, fighting Asian hate matters, and how we as AAPI educators choose to respond this very moment matters.

And it has to matter, for everyone. 

Thank you for all that you do, and stay tuned for the continual space we will take or make for us to process and heal as a group.

Love,

Wil