The Asian and Pacific Islander Leadership Blog
LEAP Statement on Monterey Park & Half Moon Bay Shootings
As a Southern California based organization, it is with heavy hearts that the LEAP board and staff send our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims of these two horrific shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay over the holiday weekend. We also wish for the swift recovery of the nine victims in Monterey Park and the one victim in Half Moon Bay.
LEAP shares the collective grief of many Americans and local communities who are tired of yet another act of senseless violence. While the shootings are still being investigated, I want to remind our Asian and Pacific Islander community members that we are resilient, and for all, we encourage and support healing, kindness, and understanding.
LEAP is Deeply Saddened by the Passing of Secretary Norman Y. Mineta
Yesterday, we lost an extraordinary American. LEAP is deeply saddened by the passing of Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, a committed public servant, trailblazer, and role model. His support and influence touched organizations like LEAP and so many others. We’re comforted by knowing his legacy will endure through all the many people whose lives he touched and were encouraged by his leadership. Our sincerest condolences to his family and the people who loved him. He will be greatly missed.
LEAP Mourns and Remembers the One-Year Anniversary of the Atlanta Spa Shootings
LEAP mourns the eight victims, including six Asian women, who were killed a year ago today in Atlanta, Georgia when a gunman opened fire in three spas.
We think about the families of the victims who were thrust into the spotlight in the midst of unthinkable grief and commend the bravery of those who have publicly spoken out in an effort to bring about change. A year later, and for many years to come, let us remember those we lost
LEAP Celebrates the Launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI)
LEAP Celebrates the Launch of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI).
LEAP's Statement on the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks
September 11, 2001 shifted the fabric of American society and how our Muslim, Arab, and South Asian (MASA) communities are treated. Twenty years later, the rise of hate crimes and violence against the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the cyclical nature of racism and discrimination.
8 lives cut short. Mourning the Unnecessary Loss of life in Atlanta.
Last night eight people were senselessly murdered over the space of a few hours at three different Asian businesses in the greater Atlanta region in another mass shooting perpetrated by a lone gunman. Six of the eight victims were Asian women.
Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims as we join them and Atlanta’s Asian American community in collective grief, sadness and anger for their loss.
Solidarity and Support for Black Lives
Last week, we joined the Coalition of Asian American Leaders, together with over 250+ Asian and Pacific Islander organizations across the U.S., in their call for unity and solidarity with the family of George Floyd and the Black community as they seek and demand justice. With the events of the last several days, the deep pain of the Black community can no longer be suppressed.