May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As we honor the rich history and  culture of our brothers and sisters, it is dire that we commit ourselves to the work of dismantling  AAPI racism. New research by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism finds that Asian  hate crimes have increased significantly since 2020. This month, we encourage congregations across the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference to prayerfully consider what steps you must  take to bring awareness to this issue, foster relationships with your AAPI neighbors, and debunk  myths and stereotypes that fuel AAPI hate. As Wesleyan communities of faith, let us remember our call to the work of advocacy, reconciliation, and justice.  

AAPI Resources: 

AAPI Heritage Month 

https://asianpacificheritage.gov 

10 Things to Know About Asian Americans 

https://www.r2hub.org/library/10-things-to-know-about-asian-americans 

10 Honorable Traits of Pacific Islander Culture 

https://www.r2hub.org/library/10-honorable-traits-of-pacific-islander-culture 

Asian Americans PBS Documentary 

https://www.pbs.org/show/asian-americans/ 

Books 

Invisible: Theology and the Experience of Asian American Women, Grace Ji-Sun Kim

Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White, Frank Wu 

The Making of Asian America, Erika Lee 

American History Unbound: Asians and Pacific Islanders, Gary Y. Okihiro

Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times, Soong-Chan Rah 

Podcasts 

Center for Asian American Christianity 

Dear Asian Americans 

Rev. Dr. Erin Beasley 

Chair of TWK Commission on Religion and Race