Dear Access Plus Capital Partners & Clients:
The murder of eight people, including six Asian women, in Atlanta has deeply sadden communities across the country and us here in central California. These killings come at a time when attacks and harassment against Asian and Asian-American people are escalating. Nationwide, hate crimes against Asian-Americans have increased 1900% and since 2020 there have been over 1600 reported crimes in California alone.
The recent increase in anti-Asian sentiment can be traced to those who wrongly racialize the COVID-19 pandemic and target people of Asian descent as scapegoats. The shooting of Asian women at local small businesses resurfaces a history of discrimination and gender inequity against communities of color. During this period of increased social and racial justice awareness, we must acknowledge this overlooked history and bring a light to what many do not see.
Access Plus Capital’s first clients were refugee Southeast Asian farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs in Fresno County. Today, as a community development financial institution that works to provide access to capital and training to entrepreneurs of color and businesses in underserved communities, we find it necessary to add our voice to the growing call to stop the spread of targeted hate and violence.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, small business owners and workers. We grieve with those who have been affected by these crimes and ask that you unite with us in accord to denounce and confront hate in all forms, including acts and speech motivated by race, gender, belief, and backgrounds for all mankind.
Access Plus Capital stands in solidarity with our Asian and Pacific Islander peers, clients, and community.
Here are a few resources if you are looking for ways to understand and/or support Asian-American community policy work:
Stop AAPI Hate https://stopaapihate.org/
Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta https://www.advancingjustice-atlanta.org/
Hmong Innovating Politics https://www.hipcalifornia.com/