Over the last several years, our country has seen a dramatic rise in hate crimes committed against Asian Americans. According to a study by California State University’s Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, Anti‐Asian hate crimes surged 149% in 2020. The expansion of racism, misogyny, and xenophobia especially towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has been spurred by hateful rhetoric from elected leaders since Covid-19 began. It is not only dehumanizing but has increased the burden of racism on top of an already stressful and precarious economic situation. This is unacceptable.

Anti-Asian violence is not new. Portland’s own history is steeped in racial violence, discrimination, and incarceration. We want to be clear, there is no place for hate at Portland Center Stage. We are in solidarity with AAPI communities and with all marginalized people.

We all need to raise our voices and take distinct action. Here are some resources and organizations you can support and learn from:

• Stop AAPI Hate
• Portland United Against Hate
• Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO)
• Theatre Diaspora
• IRCO's Asian Family Center
• Japanese American Museum of Oregon
• Statement from Oregon’s Asian and Asian American Communities