July 13, 2020 to July 17, 2020
We’re still in a global pandemic and more must be done to support specific communities.
It’s become normal to hear daily news coverage about the numbers; whether local or national, our total number of COVID cases continue to increase, but we don’t always know the nuances, so it may seem like it’s happening to someone else. Yes, authorities are tracking COVID-19 cases, but I would say they may not be providing nuanced data that could be helpful to individual and communities to understand what the picture looks like in specific communities.
Early on, we worked with our community and identified that in this pandemic, we were most concerned about low-income, limited English, and multi-generational households. While everyone is at risk, we identified those factors as segments of the community being made most vulnerable at this time. So, what does the data say about how COVID-19 is impacting community members who fall into these categories? Well, we don’t know for sure; however, the latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) from its June free testing sites may give us a glimpse.
In June, MDH offered four free testing dates at four sites in the Twin Cities. This geography is where the majority of our limited English and low-income families are. According to MDH data, Asians were the largest population of color group who tested during those dates, so it leads us to believe that people will in fact get tested when its free. That’s the positive.
The results, however, are alarming, and we urge that more be done to improve information, testing and support for Asian Minnesotans who fall into the categories we’ve mentioned above. We can see from the MDH data that almost 50% of Asians who tested were positive, followed by 30% in the Latinx, 8% Black and 8% White communities. Though we have not looked into the specifics of the data, we do know that the largest group of Asians were tested in the Frogtown neighborhood at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center, where Asians are a third of the population.
We urge government leaders to ensure resources are available to continue offering free testing in neighborhoods where our people are, and to support more community groups who serve these segment of the community. Lastly, we urge MDH to be curious in its own data so that it’s looking for ways to disaggregate the data and making it available as soon as it is known with more meaningful analysis so that the community can be partners in sharing the information with family and community members. Lastly, we urge community members to follow guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and to get tested if you’ve been with others. Find a testing location in your community.
While we are not a health organization, we are a community-centered organization that feels responsible for helping to ensure the community is better served. We are still in a global pandemic, and that means there is reason to always be proactive.
In community,
Bo Thao-Urabe
Executive & Network Director
“8 minutes and 46 seconds”
Natasha Mara Canapi Victa
Program Associate, she/her/hers
A couple Sundays ago, I visited the memorial site at East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where there was a small candlelight vigil in memory of George Floyd. Community organizers instructed us to kneel in silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Overwhelmed, I began reflecting on 2020 so far and what is next.
2 minutes have passed. We have 6 minutes and 46 seconds to go.
The sun was setting and the sky was getting darker. The slow glow from candles and the bright glare of phone flashlights brightened the faces of community members, sitting and kneeling, holding their fists up with face masks on. Around us lay flowers, hand-written signs, and statues, memorializing countless Black folx killed by police. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone in demanding justice in how society treats BIPOC folks. And while I am relieved that more people are beginning to understand, it’s also painful because it took countless deaths to get us here.
Read the rest of Natasha’s Staff Corner here.
New Paper – “Power, Politics, and Preservation of Heritage Languages”
For far too long our students have been asked to leave their heritage language at the doors of schools, but research shows the academic benefits of multilingualism, and the social and emotional benefits for students who are fluent in their own heritage language. Read more in this new paper we just finished in partnership with Education Evolving.
Join Us – July 13, 2020 (3pm – 5pm) – State of Asian Minnesotans: Immigration and Resistance
In this session community leaders and experts will come together to discuss the history of Asian immigration to Minnesota. Learn more and register here.
Collected Resources for Asians Wanting to be in Solidarty for Black Lives
We’ve put together a list of resources to support Asian Minnesotans who want to be in solidarity for Black lives. Among the resources are materials on addressing anti-Black racism, how-to’s, art, curriculum, collected readings/articles, resources on police alternatives, and general anti-racist & Black liberation resources for non-Black people. This is not an exhaustive list, but we offer these resources to support organizations and individuals who wish to deepen their analysis and understanding, show up for actions, or invest in being a part of the movement..
Fund Our Communities: 2020 Revised Budget Public Hearing #1
The Minneapolis City Council will hold two meetings with public comment – Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 6:00 PM and Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Here is more information on how to participate in the public hearings. Learn more about the Fund Our Communities work in this event is hosted by Black Visions Collective and Reclaim the Block.
Accepting Applications for Spark Leadership Fund
BIPOC leaders throughout Minnesota can apply for micro-funds of $500, $750, or $1,000 to carry out projects that address an urgent community need at this time. Applications are reviewed weekly. To apply, complete an application here.
Webinar – Wednesday, July 15 (7pm – 9pm) on H1 Visa Ban Informational Webinar
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Join SEWA – Asian Indian Family Wellness for a session regarding the H1 Visa Ban with Immigration Attorney Satveer Chaudhary. Register in advance here.
Report Discrimination and Bias
If you experience or witness discrimination based on race, where you come from, your immigration status, or anything else, call Minnesota’s Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or submit this online form. The helpline is staffed by investigators from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Translation/interpretation services are available.
