The horrific murders of mostly Asian American women in Atlanta last week brought increased national attention to the rising wave of anti-Asian American harassment, assaults and rhetoric. Oregon has seen its share of anti-Asian violence. For example, in Multnomah County, Asian-American victims reported the second-highest number of race-related bias crimes, with 42 since the beginning of 2020.
This latest manifestation of anti-Asian racism is part of a general pattern of right-wing white nationalist bigotry fueled by the Trumpist insurgency, but it is also part of a long history of prejudice against Asian immigrants. We will talk about that history, the current threats faced by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Oregon and how those communities are responding, as well as how others can offer solidarity, with guest Richa Poudyal, of the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO).
Poudyal is a first generation Nepali-American, community organizer, and Policy Director at APANO. They arrived at APANO with experience in organizing with youth, carbon and renewable energy policy, and transportation policy. At APANO, they are working to empower and learn alongside APIs in our community to push for policies that bring us into a world that values people and planet over profit.
- KBOO