May 25, 2020 to May 29, 2020
Though it may not have been easy, I hope you found some respite this long weekend. Each day started out with sprinkles but ended with sun here in the Twin Cities; I hope that is symbolic of our future.
On this Memorial weekend, I remembered my father who served in one of the CIA’s secret guerilla units in Laos, risking his everything for freedom and a better future. His story reminds me that so many have served this country, regardless of status, and they all arrived on America’s shores with the same hopes – that they and their families would have the opportunities to achieve their American dream. So, it’s not lost on me that part of my family’s history is tied to that of so many who immigrated (or are wanting to immigrate) here no matter how many generations ago.
To honor the legacy of Memorial Day, I have been fully participating in the civic process – from completing my census form, to applying for my absentee ballot so that I can vote from the safety of my home in the primary and general elections, to learning about the candidates who are running for office to represent me at all levels of government, to creating vehicles that build not just my voice and power but that builds community voice and power. Beyond this, we must make sure that more barriers are not created to block people from participating in shaping our democracy. We cannot backwards, but push forward together.
In community,
Bo Thao-Urabe
Executive & Network Director
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT – DONATE TODAY!
May is almost over. Please help us unlock a $10,000 match by making a donation this month.
Your generosity lets us put the community first.
To date, we’ve provided over $170,000 to support individual leaders who are using their expertise to address an urgent community need and invest in Asian Minnesotan organizations who are providing in-language and culturally appropriate services to our most vulnerable community members. Additionally, we’ve created the Asian Minnesotans Against Racism and Xenophobia Collaborative to address racialized violence targeting Asian Minnesotans and to build solidarity across communities to create safety and protection for everyone.
Your past generosity enabled us to: create #MinneAsianStories, start the Spark Leadership Fund, champion the community’s policies in education, economics and immigration, and so much more.
The community needs us, but we need you.
Act now to support CAAL’s powerful work for Asian Minnesotans.
HOW COVID-19 IS IMPACTING ASIAN MINNESOTANS
“During this crisis, I’m experiencing inequities that our micro businesses have already been experiencing – that is the lack of visibility and access to capital. I believe that our neighbors, our friends, our communities, and you will not turn your backs on us, on our local small businesses who live and contribute to our local economy. Right now there are so many micro businesses who are essential to Minnesota’s economy who continue to be invisible when it comes to conversations about disaster relief.”
– Pang Foua Xiong, owner of LashesByPang.
Watch Pang’s video here.
WITNESS OR EXPERIENCE DISCRIMINATION? REPORT IT.
If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, please complete this online form to report it, or call 651-539-1133 | 1-800-657-3704 | 1-833-454-0418. Language interpretation services are available by phone.
COMING UP NEXT…
Join us on Wednesday, May 27 (4:00 PM – 5:30 PM) to learn about our work on immigration issues impacting Asian Minnesotans in our Safe & Welcoming Communities event. For more information about this event, contact Jenny Srey at Jenny@caalmn.org. Then, end your week with us on Friday, May 29 (3:00 PM – 4:30 PM) and join our Self & Commununity Care Exchange. For more information about this event, contact Kay Moua at Kay@caalmn.org.
Our Economics Work Group will meet on Thursday, May 28 (4:00pm – 5:30pm) where we will have a conversation with Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove about what the State is doing to support workers, enterpretreneurs and our overall economy.
For more information about our Economics or Education work, contact KaYing Yang at KaYing@caalmn.org.