[AAPIP Connect] September 2020

AAPIP CONNECT
SEPTEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER

In this issue:

• President's Message: Solidarity Matters
• Just Released: The State of AAPI Philanthropy Report
• The Progress of Black and Asian Sorority Women Continues
• Tribute for AAPIP Co-Founder Ruby Takanishi

Dear Philanthrofolk, 

We return from our summer hiatus on the first official day of Fall in what has been an historic and incredibly challenging year, especially after losing fierce social justice advocates and leaders such as AAPIP Co-Founder Ruby Takanishi, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Congressman John Lewis. Yet we remain hopeful that their legacies continue in the activism and visions of young activists, movement leaders, and those of us working tirelessly to steer philanthropy to ensure the preservation of humanity.

AAPIP has been busy this summer - from releasing our groundbreaking State of AAPI Philanthropy Report to ramping up our regional chapter and giving circle work in our 30th Anniversary year. We also celebrate CEO and President, Pat Eng's, one-year anniversary at AAPIP! In this letter, she shares reflections and paths forward for advancing racial justice in the philanthropic sector. 

In this issue, you'll also find a curated reading list of articles highlighting major issues affecting Asians and Pacific Islanders exacerbated by the raging storms, wildfires, and pandemic including high death rates, unemployment and joblessness, impact on Asian-owned businesses, and growing concerns about bullying of API students as they return to school.

As we transition into cooler weather and prepare for what lies ahead, we are deeply grateful for those who have been fighting the good fight and extend that fighting spirit out to all of you. Although we will continue to shelter-in-place, our connections to you - our AAPIP community - are as critical as they have ever been in creating the transformations we seek. One step, one day at a time - let's keep on keeping on.

With fortitude and deep gratitude,

AAPIP Staff