Response to January 6, 2021 Attack on the Capitol

Thursday, January 7, 2021

Dear Leader,

Like many of you, I’m heartbroken for our nation this morning. Yesterday, we witnessed an attempted coup in our Nation’s Capitol. There is no mistake that it was an act of domestic terrorism meant to disrupt and dismantle our democracy. 

This terrifying and chilling act was perpetrated by those who would claim to be patriotic, but nothing that happened yesterday was patriotic. It was a full display of white supremacy that distracted the historic wins from the November elections of the most diverse Congress we’ve ever had, along with the first Black and Asian Vice Vice President. I believe our nation is ripe for more greatness if we embrace our rich diversity. 

Some of you have asked me questions that I don’t know have the answers for, but I felt it in my heart to tell you that if you sense loss, anger, sadness, or worry this day, we are there with you. Yesterday’s attack showed just how fragile our democracy is, and we must be more ready than ever to participate in upholding it fully. This November, we mobilized, and Asian Americans showed up at unprecedented rates to the polls, so we know our community is more ready than ever to help shape a representative democracy that works for everyone. 

Let us move forward, never forgetting what happened yesterday, and recommit to anti-racist agendas that move us ambitiously towards peace, justice and equity for all.

In solidarity,

Bo Thao-Urabe
Executive & Network Director