Asian hate crime has increased ten times since Covid-19 reared its ugly head, with racism and extreme violence threatening the lives of many members of the AAPI community (Asian American and Pacific Islander).
Asian Americans claim to have been targeted more than a staggering 500 times in the last two months, according to Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition that tracks violence and harassment against the community.
It has released data highlighting the number of incidents reported, which surged from 3,795 to 6,603 in March of this year alone.
Despite ongoing and intense discrimination against the AAPI members in America, a month-long commemoration is currently providing the perfect opportunity to shine a light on their historical contributions, explore their rich cultures and hail the changemakers.
AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the community and publicises significant events this month, while sharing inspiring stories.
During the whole of May, the achievements of AAPI members will be celebrated and honored. Their voices will be amplified, their contributions to their country will be highlighted and positive change will be promoted.
One event taking place to empower people within the community is Philly Fighting Asian Hate, which will take place at the Rail Park in Philadelphia, on May 22-23. It aims to educate and empower the AAPI community through self-awareness and self-defense.
Attendees will hone physical skills at free self-defense classes for Philadelphia’s AAPI community, taught by Grandmaster Eng, a championship Kung Fu Grandmaster and 3rd generation disciple of the Ip Man Wing Chun Kung Fu family. Grandmaster Eng has 45-years of training under his belt and teaches confidence, courage and strength.
Those who attend the 50-minute event, which is volunteer-led, will be taught real-world techniques with martial arts instructors and students to learn how to protect and defend themselves.
Isabel Vose, Senior Consultant at Acre, is attending the event to show her support.
She said: “I am attending the Philly Fighting Asian Hate event to support my community and my heritage. I am Korean and am well aware of all the attacks that are being taken out on friends and their families when they are trying to go about their day.
“I believe that what is happening is wrong and that it is important for the community to be able to defend themselves if no one else will stick up for them. Too many times people walk away or close doors on these violent and brutal attacks, it’s time to take action into our own hands and teach our community to defend themselves and honour my heritage.”
Learn more and register for a time slot below:
Event Details:
Philly Fighting Asian Hate
Date: May 22-23, 2021 (Rain date: May 29-30)
Location: The Rail Park (1200 Noble St, Philadelphia, PA)
Click here to learn More & Register (FREE)
