RMAA and our member choruses were heartbroken once again to learn about the hatred-fueled violence that occurred in Atlanta last week against the Asian Pacific Islander and Desi American (APIDA) communities. We hold the victims and families of those lost in our hearts during this trying time.
Last week’s Atlanta shootings were not an isolated event in the U.S. Over 3,200 hate incidents against APIDA individuals were reported in 2020 nationwide. Another 503 such incidents have occurred in the first two months of 2021 based on numbers reported by Stop AAPI Hate. RMAA condemns racism, misogyny, xenophobia, gender bias, and all forms of prejudice and subjugation. We stand against violence and in support of APIDA individuals and communities in Denver and throughout the nation, including our members, patrons and supporters. Our support of this community and all marginalized communities is paramount to RMAA.
In response to last summer’s protests of police brutality against Black people, singers from both choruses created a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect (DEIR) committee, which also includes RMAA Board members. This committee and the RMAA staff are working to identify how we can align our mission, programming and outreach to support and stand with these communities in their fight against hatred and violence.
If you want to take action and donate to APIDA non-profits fighting hate and racism, please go here.