The New York Coalition for Asian American Mental Health (NYCAAMH) condemns the recent brutal killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and numerous people of color, and stands in solidarity with Black communities to fight against racism and social injustice.

NYCAAMH is dedicated to supporting Asian Americans, particularly with the increased incidents of discrimination and racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that these xenophobic issues are part of deeply rooted structural racism and violence; these issues impact all minority groups and people of color in our society.

We must work to simultaneously counter both anti-Asian and anti-Black narratives. We believe that silence, especially among minority racial groups in the U.S.,has always been used as a tool by people in power, to benefit people in power. Rather than stay silent and remain complacent with existing injustices, we urge you to join us in elevating the voices of Black communities who have experienced over four centuries of oppression and racism.

We call upon members of NYCAAMH to act responsively through the following ways:

• Reflect and learn our own biases, racial identity, and experiences of injustices. Through critical reflection, determine ways to use our shared history and experiences to stand in solidarity. For additional support and conversation, we are committed to hold biweekly Peer Supervision and Planning/Organizing meetings to use our shared history and our unique strengths to grow individually and mobilize collectively. (Please check our website and Facebook Group for details).

• Sign and share “smart” petitions at theactionpac.com. With each signature, a letter is automatically sent to the appropriate state officials and attorneys responsible for each case. (The Action Pac petitions can also be signed at: justiceforbigfloyd.com; standwithbre.com; runwithmaud.com)

• Vote for local and state candidates who hold an anti-oppressive, anti-racist lens in their work, in the upcoming June primary election and November election in NYC. (mail-in absentee ballots can be requested due to COVID-19).

Our work will continue, and we hope you will join us in these efforts to fight against systemic oppression and stand with Black Lives.