Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC Announces Collaboration with 88rising to Fight Against Racism and Xenophobia

May 6 Livestream Event Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
For Immediate Release
Contact
Michelle Boykins (202) 296-2300, ext. 0144 mboykins@advancingjustice-aajc.org

Washington, D.C.—In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC announces a partnership with 88rising, a musical platform and label for Asian American and Asian artists. 

On Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00 p.m. ET, 88rising will launch the “ASIA RISING FOREVER Global Festival,” a four-hour video livestream featuring Asian American and Asian artists performing from their homes, available on YouTube, Twitter, and the SiriusXM homepage. The goal of the livestream is to celebrate Asian Americans and demonstrate unity during a difficult time for many, both due to the pandemic as well as the xenophobic hate many are experiencing.

“This partnership comes at a critical time when we have seen a dramatic rise in hate directed at Asians and Asian Americans. We thank 88rising for their support and for collaborating with us during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a time for celebrating and uplifting our diverse communities,” says Advancing Justice | AAJC President and Executive Director John C. Yang. “Discrimination and xenophobia are not new. Advancing Justice | AAJC has long been advocating for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and we will continue to serve, protect, and empower our communities. We look forward to the event and sharing our mission with new audiences.”

Advancing Justice | AAJC is a part of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an affiliation of five Asian American civil rights organizations, which has been documenting hate crimes and hate incidents at StandAgainstHatred.org, a website where individuals can report incidents in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. In response to the rise in anti-Asian American hate, Advancing Justice | AAJC has also been leading multiple bystander intervention training sessions with the organization Hollaback! as a way teach people how to safely intervene when they witness harassment and discrimination.

“We’re honored to partner with Advancing Justice | AAJC and amplify the important causes they fight for,” says 88rising CEO Sean Miyashiro. “This event is an opportunity for everyone to come together around a common message of positivity during this unprecedented crisis.”

In addition to musical performances, the livestream will debut never-before-seen documentaries, comedy sketches, and music videos.

For more information, see 88rising’s YouTube channel and Advancing Justice | AAJC’s website at advancingjustice-aajc.org/events.