We are appalled by the growing Anti-Asian violence since May. Violence against Asian Americans has increased exponentially - 3800 reports since last May (i.e., approximately 1 incident every two hours!). The Atlanta shooting epitomizes the growing Anti- Asian violence and racism in America. This is a real existential threat for Asian/Asian Americans. BLI strives to nurture a "beloved community," envisioned by MLK where care, compassion, interdependence, and dignity are its defining core values. In that spirit, we stand in solidarity with our Asian/Asian American students during these difficult times. I also urge you to reach out to your friends who are Asian Americans and Asian international students and offer your support. Please feel free to contact me or any of our staff if we can be of help. UM is organizing several events addressing growing violence against Asian Americans since the pandemic. I encourage you to attend and learn about the "invisibility" of racism against Asian/Asian Americans. 

-Ram Mahalingam, BLI Director

Additional Materials:

Yesterday's interviews with U-M faculty and students.

Message from President Schlissel which includes links and links to resources.

Vice Provost of Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Office Rob Sellers statement speaking out against this act of violence.

List of upcoming events:

Thursday, March 18
12:00 - 1:00pm
Anti-Asian Racism and Asian American Activism during Covid-19 Pandemic with Dr. Melissa Borja (American Culture)
https://umich.zoom.us/j/98101951602

Friday, March 19
1:00pm
APID/A Self-Care Community Conversation
For members of the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Communities
https://umich.zoom.us/j/93006815883 

Tuesday, March 23
2:00 - 3:00pm
Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI) Community Conversations: Processing through Anti-Asian Racism
https://umich.zoom.us/j/94887750453 

Friday, March 26  
10:30am - 12:00pm
Contextualizing Violence Against Asians and Asian Americans Within the History of US Relational Racism
https://umich.zoom.us/j/94866591981 

Speakers include:

Anne Cheng, Professor of English and American Studies, Princeton
Madeline Hsu, Professor of History, University of Texas at Austin
Dylan Rodríguez, President, American Studies Association (2020-21); Professor of Media & Cultural Studies, UC Riverside
Frances Wang, Journalist, activist, poet, artist; Intermittent Lecturer, American Culture, University of Michigan