“K.O.”: Knockout Our Ignorance

“Stop Asian Hate!” Three words that sparked protests across America including MSU’s campus. Asian Americans communities struggle from violence and hate created by the racist rhetoric of the pandemic. Advocates are urging Americans to be allies, but in order to advocate we have to Knockout Our Ignorance. This requires us to learn about the historical cycle so that we do not repeat the same cycle. Hate crimes against Asian Americans have grown since the 2020 Pandemic. There is a report of 3,795 reported incidents of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. AAPI leaders urge the importance of understanding the history Asian Americans in the United States. The community is not a monolith, they have diverse experiences of each community in America. 

• On May 19, 1975, Peter Yew/Police Brutality Protest – 15,000 Chinatown community members took to the streets to fight back against police attacks and brutality against their community. Public protests are manifestations of disagreement and the expression of the urgent need for policy change.  
• On May 26, 1924, the Immigration Act of 1924 Prohibits Immigration from Asia. Designed to limit all immigration to the United States, the act was particularly restrictive for Eastern and Southern Europeans and Asians. Upon signing the act into law, President Calvin Coolidge remarked, “America must remain American.” It is important to know when it was made, especially looking at the history of our country. 

How can we help assist our AAPI community? Learn more about the resources below:  

• Stop Asian Hate     
• AAPI
• Asian American Advancing Justice