We at Open House New York vehemently condemn harassment and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)—here in the five boroughs and across the nation. What drives our work is a deep commitment to the principles that define an open city—diversity, access, and equity for all.

We also acknowledge that as individuals and as an organization, we have not done enough to educate ourselves and our community of Open House New Yorkers about the rich and important history and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their contributions to our beloved city. Nor have we done enough to dismantle the systemic racism that perpetuates oppression and acts of violence against non-whites.

The outbreak of COVID-19, and the misinformation and lies that have been spread about the virus, have fueled xenophobia and scapegoating against Asian communities. As detailed by New York City’s Commission on Human Rights, reports of anti-Asian discrimination and harassment have skyrocketed in 2020. And we know many more incidents occur than ever get reported.

As we begin May, a month to reflect on and celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage, we stand in support of and solidarity with New York’s diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Open House New York welcomes and values all members of our society as fellow human beings, and fellow New Yorkers.

As you reflect on what you can do to help create a more tolerant, safe, and open city, we ask you to please consider taking any or all of the following actions, among many others offered across the city and the country:

• Share your stories, letters, emails, texts, videos, recordings, reflections, conversations, photos, social media posts, art, poetry, or songs created in response to anti-AAPI violence.
• Take an Upstander workshop to learn how you can respond to anti-Asian harassment and xenophobia or find other resources to prevent discrimination.
• Utilize the Toolkit for Addressing Anti-Asian Bias, Discrimination, and Hate provided by the New York City Commission on Human Rights.

We will soon be announcing new initiatives that celebrate AAPI communities, experiences and stories alongside other programs that foster a deeper appreciation for our city’s extraordinary diversity.

Warmly,
Open House New York