Stop Asian Hate
A Statement from the Staff and Board of Directors of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Northampton Association
The Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) and Downtown Northampton Association (DNA) condemn racism, xenophobia, and all forms of hate and discrimination. We join with leaders in our community, state, and across the world in supporting and grieving with the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities affected by the recent spike in violent attacks, including the horrific murders of six Asian women and two others in Atlanta last month.
In 2020, Stop AAPI Hate reported over 3,800 incidents of anti-Asian hate crimes, predominantly against seniors and women, and noted an increase in this violence over the past month. These disturbing acts of hate and latest trends are very frightening and extremely troubling, and stem, in part, from derogatory, anti-Asian language around the coronavirus pandemic. Violence and discrimination against the AAPI community are not new in the United States, and the current surge in reported acts has revealed to many a reality that our AAPI friends, neighbors, and colleagues have faced for a very long time.
Like so many of you, GNCC and DNA recognize that diversity is a strength. Thus, we stand firmly with our AAPI community members to amplify their stories and interrupt damaging myths. Many of you may also be looking for ways to help, learn, and do more to support the AAPI community. We invite you to join us and take the following actions:
- Be an Ethical Upstander® (coined by diversity training firm Human In Common) instead of a silent bystander if you witness an incident of bias, harassment, or racism.
- Enroll in our upcoming diversity training course(s) to educate yourself and start a dialogue.
- Partner with local and national AAPI organizations to assist in their work.
- Follow these principles for Engaging in Allyship and Partnership to support the liberation and empowerment of the AAPI community:
- Respect individual’s and groups’ right(s) to have their own voice.
- Listen and learn; and show your solidarity with meaningful action steps.
- Respect the boundaries of those targeted.
- Support local, Asian-owned businesses.
- Participate in the 413 Takeout campaign and include Asian restaurants often in your support of great dining spots in our community. (See advertisement below)
In November of 2020, we (GNCC) revised our mission statement (below) to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion and elevate these values in our work to support a thriving economy and community. We remain committed to addressing inequities, interrupting racism, and building bridges of opportunity for everyone in our community.
In solidarity,
Members of the Staff and Board of Directors
Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Northampton Association
GNCC Mission:
To be a catalyst for collaboration and innovation to foster a thriving economy and community, invigorated by diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Support Our Asian Restaurants
In an act of solidarity, we reached out to several local, AAPI business owners and listened to some of the leading voices in the AAPI community about how we can be strong allies, partners, and supporters as we work together to stop Asian hate. Hearing their gratitude, as well as their grief and concerns, allowed us to respond with humility. This includes honoring those who requested not to be included in our listings of local, Asian-owned businesses. This trepidation was a strong statement of how deep the fear is for many Asians to draw attention to their identity, or even simply go to their places of work, school, and worship. As allies, we understand the need to respect these boundaries. Thus, the 413 Takeout ad below reflects Asian-owned restaurants only in the Northampton area and does not include all local, Asian-owned or Asian-led businesses or organizations.
