Since the onset of COVID-19, there have been more than 3,800 reported incidents of racism and violence against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), including the murders of Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Delaina Yaun, Hyun Jung Grant, Julie Park, Yong Yue, Suncha Kim, and Paul Andre Michels March 16 in Atlanta.

YWCA Bethlehem stands with the AAPI community and remains committed to eliminating racism and dismantling the social constructs that perpetuate xenophobia and hate.

We encourage you to learn more about how vulnerable Asian-Americans are to discrimination and the types of discrimination they face by reading the “STOP AAPI HATE NATIONAL REPORT” by Russell Jeung Ph.D., Aggie Yellow Horse, Ph.D., Tara Popovic and Richard Lim.

Additionally, we invite you to take the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism Pledge and commit to “do the work” to make the Lehigh Valley a more safe, just and equitable place for all.

Founded locally in 1927, YWCA Bethlehem is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA Bethlehem programs include the Community Voices Social Justice Series, TechGYRLS, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of the Lehigh Valley, Pop-Up Prom Shop, Adult Day Services Center, Senior Housing and Case Management, and the Great Decisions Foreign Policy Affairs Lecture Series.