Statements against Discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

Sister Cities of Durham, Inc.; PO Box 767; Durham, NC 27702

www.sistercities-durham.com

Both Sister Cities of Durham and Sister Cities International have issued statements opposing the

discrimination and violence expressed against our friends who are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

SISTER CITIES OF DURHAM

TO: MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, MARCH 25, 2021

STATEMENT ABOUT DISCRIMINATION AGAINS ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS,

FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As an organization for whom mutual respect for all peoples is a deeply embedded value, Sister Cities of Durham is profoundly troubled by escalating incidents of disrespect, hatred and even violence directed at Asians and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Last week’s fatal attacks in Atlanta were another reminder that this bigotry and discrimination has been overlooked for too long. 

We are enriched by our relationship with four cities in China and Japan -- two full Sister Cities and two in the Friendship category -- and continue to promote activities that engage our cultures in shared experiences and increased understanding of one another.

As members and allies of our American Asian and Pacific Islander communities, we reject such discrimination and violence, and we will continue to strive for greater understanding, respect and justice in our society. We cannot stand by and ignore these events.

SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL

TO: MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, MARCH 23, 2021

STATEMENT ABOUT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS

We are saddened to hear about the continued abuse and violence toward the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Heightened by the pandemic, violence towards the AAPI community has been increasing at a frightening rate.

While we acknowledge that anti-Asian rhetoric is unfortunately not a new phenomenon, it is discouraging and disheartening to see its terrible effects in our communities.

Sister Cities International is an organization that values the building of cultural bridges, and the acts that we are witnessing in this time are much too reminiscent of past mistakes that have hurt communities immensely. The profound harm caused by racism, hate, and discrimination is fatal, and we condemn it deeply.

Our organization seeks to create citizen diplomacy, and this can only be done through the appreciation and cherishing of other cultures. We strive to use our organization to fight against systemic racism in our society and institutions. It is important to us that we ensure that all spaces are inclusive and equitable, providing a space where all can feel valued and safe in their diversity.

It is vital to repudiate these hateful acts, as well as the actors, to protect our communities and ensure safety and appreciation during these difficult and heartbreaking times.

Sister Cities International condemns racism, hate, discrimination and violence in all forms. We stand proudly in solidarity with our AAPI community in fighting against this hatred.

You can use the PayPal "Donate" button here for Donations and Membership Dues.

We appreciate your support of our programs for International Awareness and Exchanges in education,

the Arts, medicine, business, local government, and the environment.

These link our Durham community to the World.

To pay dues or donate by check, mail to: Sister Cities of Durham; PO Box 767; Durham, NC 27702

Thanks for your support of Sister Cities of Durham

4th Annual "Festival of Nations" -- Oct. 3, 2021: In-Person & Sept 25 - Dec 31: Virtual

Hosted by Sister Cities of Durham

We look forward to the in-person Festival at Durham Central Park, 11 - 5, Sun, Oct. 3

In addition we will have a virtual festival available to the world, Sept 25 - Dec 31.

During our first Virtual Festival in 2020, 2500 people from 20 countries viewed the Festival

Plan to join us for our international focus -- with cultural booths, food trucks, musicians, dancers

representing Durham's 9 Sister Cities and 18 other countries represented in Durham

Durham is truly an International Community

Here is a video from our 2020 Virtual Festival: Our Toyama, Japan youth group singing "We Are the World" (Toyama, Japan)