SACRAMENTO – With a rise in violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, AT&T California is taking a stand with donations to 19 community-based organizations throughout the Golden State. The donations, totaling over $750,000, are part of an AT&T and WarnerMedia nationwide $7 million effort to combat and confront anti-Asian hate.
AT&T is collaborating with AAPI organizations working in different parts of the state mobilizing to address Asian hate and raising awareness around violence against the AAPI community. The effort is about empowering the AAPI community, educating the public and inspiring action.
“In the most challenging times for the Asian and Pacific Islander community in recent history, AT&T and its leadership are standing behind us because they know that solidarity is the most important aspect of community healing and progress. Thank you to AT&T for generously contributing to organizations that advance API representation, diversity, and equity such as the Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation, a nonprofit committed to leadership training programs and development of California API leaders. I can’t be more proud to be here today and be a part of a meaningful announcement for our community,” said California State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
“We have an obligation to stand up against discrimination and AT&T is using our voice and resources to combat increased crime and hate speech against AAPIs in California and throughout the nation,” said Rhonda Johnson, President, AT&T California. “We believe it is our responsibility to our employees and people who live in the communities we serve. Hatred and inequality have no place in our State and our company is committed to organizations dedicated to building a future where these injustices are no longer commonplace.”
AT&T California’s support is focusing on a variety of organizations addressing the needs of the AAPI community. The Asian Business Association of San Diego (ABASD) will use the funding to continue their work in building sustainable communities through economic development and a qualified diverse workforce. The Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation (APALF) will utilize the funding to develop AAPI leaders for public service and civic involvement.
“AAPIs throughout California are experiencing hatred against us like never before. Our organization’s mission is dedicated to giving the members of our community tools, skills and the greater capacity and we can’t do this work without AT&T California’s commitment. This donation enables us to directly impact more of the people we serve on a daily basis,” said James Lau, Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation (APALF).
Along with ABASD and APALF, AT&T is contributing to the following AAPI organizations in California: APIs Mobilize, Asian American Recovery Services (AARS), Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)
Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI), Asian Pacific American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), Asian Resources Center, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, Center for Asian Americans for Self-Empowerment (CAUSE), Filipina Women’s Network (FWN), Hate Is A Virus, Health Trust, Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP), OCA Sacramento, Stop AAPI Hate and The Fresno Center.
For more information on ways to support, visit the AT&T AAPI Stand for Equality website: att.com/StopAsianHate.
