While the devastating impact of COVID-19 has taken its toll on all communities, Asian Americans have been hit particularly hard as the pandemic has mutated into a virus of hate, harassment and violence. In response to the most recent attacks against the elderly, Comcast, NBC Bay Area, Telemundo and the Asian Pacific Fund have launched a Solidarity Fund with an initial investment of $100,000. The fund will provide grants to organizations working to address the persistent anti-Asian sentiment, including supporting the physical and mental health of survivors, ensuring the safety of seniors and advocating for racial justice across racial lines.
- Nearly 3,000 incidents of Asians being harassed, spit on and stabbed were reported nationwide last year, including over 700 in the Bay Area
- According to New York Magazine, throughout the pandemic, racist and violent attacks on the Asian community have increased by 1,900 percent
- In just one week this month, four Asian seniors were killed or severely injured by violent attacks, three of whom live in the Bay Area
“At Comcast, we believe in creating a more equitable, just and inclusive society,” said John Gauder, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast California. “We stand in solidarity with our diverse communities, especially in times of need. We are proud to partner with the Asian Pacific Fund and NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48 to establish the Solidarity Fund to support and strengthen our Asian community and bring an end to the heartbreaking violence against the community.”
“As we all witness the devastating attacks on our Asian American local community and nationwide, we refuse to be bystanders and are committed to helping stop the hate,” said Stacy Owen, President and General Manager of NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48. “We thank Comcast NBC Universal and the Asian Pacific Fund for joining us in this united effort to stop these horrific attacks and help the survivors heal.”
The Asian Pacific Fund has been tracking the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Asian and Pacific Islander community through its 80+ nonprofit affiliates that provide an array of services to those at risk. Anti-Asian sentiment is only one of the many challenges faced by the community. Asians and Pacific Islanders have had higher rates of fatality, higher rates of unemployment and high rates of closure for Asian American small businesses. In the past year, the Asian Pacific Fund mobilized more than $1.27M for nonprofits’ COVID-19 response efforts.
According to Audrey Yamamoto, Asian Pacific Fund President & Executive Director, “Comcast, NBC Bay Area and Telemundo 48 have always been among our most generous partners. We are grateful to see them play such a critical leadership role in not just raising awareness, but also providing support, to address the recent rise in anti-Asian racism.”
To contribute to the Solidarity Fund or explore other ways to get involved, please visit the Fund’s website at asianpacificfund.org/solidarity.
