Dear AALAM Community,

I hope you and your families enjoyed the Lunar New Year this weekend. My family and I gathered in Denver to celebrate with several generations of cousins. We traded stories about our recent travels, ate peanuts while my dad and uncle talked about their love of soccer, and I got to meet my cousin’s kids for the first time!

However, the recent horrific tragedies in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay have placed a dark cloud over what should have been a time of celebration. While we are still learning all the facts and circumstances that led to such senseless acts of violence, it is clear that the loss of life is overwhelming and that no community is immune from the impact of gun violence.

Please consider donating to the Monterey Park Lunar New Year Victims Fund, organized by a coalition of AAPI community organizations, including our national affiliate, NAPABA, and the Half Moon Bay Strong Fund, organized by Ayudando Latinos A Soñar, a non-profit that supports the affected farmworker community. In addition, click here for a list of resources compiled by AAPI Equity Alliance, an LA based organization.

On Saturday, January 28 from 4-5 pm a candlelight vigil will be held at the Lion Gateway in Boston's Chinatown, co-sponsored by AALAM. 

Please take care,

Emily Sy, AALAM President