May is AAPI Heritage Month—a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities across the country. But alongside celebration, it’s also a time for reflection and reckoning. In recent years, AAPI communities—especially here in California—have faced a disturbing rise in hate incidents and discrimination. While the headlines may have faded, the harm and trauma remain.
According to data from Stop AAPI Hate, nearly 11,500 hate incidents were reported between March 2020 and March 2022. Over 40% of those incidents took place in California, home to the largest AAPI population in the nation. From verbal harassment to physical assault, these acts of hate have left lasting scars on individuals, families, and neighborhoods—and have underscored the urgent need for continued investment in prevention, healing, and community education.
At the CalAsian Foundation, we’ve long believed that building stronger, more resilient AAPI communities requires more than just reaction—it requires intentional, preventative efforts that center well-being, cultural sensitivity, and collective empowerment. Through our AAPI Strong CA Program and participation in the Stop the Hate initiative, we’ve worked to provide exactly that.
Building a Culture of Care Through AAPI Strong
The CalAsian Foundation is proud to be part of the nationwide #AAPISTRONG movement led by National ACE. Together, we are uniting AAPI small business owners and community members across the country to confront discrimination head-on and forge meaningful, lasting solutions.
Through our AAPI Strong Program, we focus on:
- Preventative services to support mental and physical wellness
- Cultural sensitivity and bystander intervention trainings
- Community dialogue and resource sharing to foster connection and resilience
Since 2022, our work has engaged over 1,500 community members, with more than 400 individuals directly supported through prevention and training services in the past year alone. As we look ahead, we are expanding our focus to include more mental health support and deeper community-building efforts that address intergenerational trauma and healing.
Why These Programs Still Matter
Despite the proven impact of programs like Stop the Hate and AAPI Strong, many similar initiatives across the nation are now facing steep funding cuts. Both state and federal dollars that once fueled grassroots healing, training, and advocacy efforts are now leaving the communities they served more vulnerable than ever.
At a time when AAPI communities are still recovering—from hate, from isolation, from underrepresentation—the loss of these programs would be a devastating setback. That’s why the CalAsian Foundation remains committed to carrying this work forward. We know that when AAPI individuals feel safe, supported, and seen, entire communities flourish.
Join Us in Empowering AAPI Communities
This AAPI Heritage Month, we honor the generations of resilience and leadership that have shaped our communities. But we also recommit ourselves to the work ahead—because the fight against hate and for equity is far from over.
Whether through partnership, advocacy, or direct support, we invite you to join us in standing strong with AAPI communities across California and beyond.
Today is your chance to learn more about our AAPI Strong and Stop the Hate programs.
Support AAPI Communities During Give in May
Join us in uplifting our communities through the Give in May campaign—a national fundraising movement supporting nonprofits that serve Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Your donation helps sustain vital programs like AAPI Strong and Stop the Hate, which provide wellness services, cultural trainings, and community-building efforts across California.
Give today and stand with us against hate, for healing, and toward a more equitable future.
