DEI in the Land: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, we celebrate our local Asian and Pacific community here in Cleveland. One of Cleveland’s hidden jewels is Asiatown, a unique cultural neighborhood located just east of downtown Cleveland that’s composed of various Asian-owned businesses, restaurants, shops, and residential living. Original settlers of Asiatown were primarily Chinese Americans looking to escape Anti-Chinese hostility from urban West Coast communities. The first Chinese settlers arrived in this area as early as 1860s. Members of this community sought new economic opportunities in Cleveland, successfully opened up small business, and made a life for themselves in Cleveland. The community continued growing and became home to members of Korean and Vietnamese decent, among others, as well.
Unfortunately in more recent times in the wake of COVID, there has been a surge in violence and xenophobia perpetrated against Asian Americans in this country. Asian hate crimes surged by nearly 150% across the country in 2020 with higher rates estimated in Cleveland. We stand as one with our fellow Asian Americans in combating and denouncing these acts of violence.
To learn more about AsiaTown in Cleveland, be sure to check out AsiaTown Cleveland & ThisIsCleveland’s 10 Things to Love About Cleveland’s AsiaTown
In the wake of rising violence and xenophobia against members of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, the United States Senate has passed the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act, signed into law on 5/20/21 by President Joe Biden. In March, Cleveland held a “Stop Asian Hate” march in Asiatown in order to combat racism and violence at a local level.
Photo credit: Jeff Reidel
We are fortunate to have many local resources and organizations in Cleveland (and on a national level) that support our Asian/Pacific community:
OCA Greater Cleveland Chapter - Asian Pacific Advocates — an organization dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans, it was founded in 1983.
International Community Health Center — communities access to quality culturally and linguistically appropriate information, health, and social services.
Asia Plaza Pharmacy- providing Western and traditional Chinese Medicine
The National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, Stop AAPI Hate
POST BY: DR. WESLEY GALLAHER, PGY1
FACULTY EDITING BY: DR. LAUREN MCCAFFFERTY