Bar-tailed Godwit / William J. Pohley / Audubon Photography Awards
Seattle Audubon condemns the growing wave of violence and hateful rhetoric against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals and communities. To our many AAPI community members: You are seen, you are valued, and you belong here. Seattle Audubon is a stronger and better organization thanks to the many contributions, past and present, of AAPI members, staff, leaders, and volunteers.
As we reflect on both the racism and misogyny behind the recent murders in Atlanta massage parlors, we are called to continue our work to confront white supremacy and all its intersections with a diverse range of marginalized identities. We know that community safety is essential to Seattle Audubon’s mission to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive. We cannot achieve this mission without dismantling the racist systems and “model minority” myths that perpetuate discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The Seattle area has a long history of anti-Asian hate and violence, lately exacerbated by racist stereotypes surrounding the pandemic. We encourage all members of our community to take this time to learn more about this local history and especially the disgrace of Japanese American internment during World War II and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
For more specific resources to learn from and speak up for AAPI communities, an excellent list has been compiled by Launch. Seattle Audubon has also compiled a list of general anti-racism learning resources for ongoing work.
In solidarity,
Claire Catania, Executive Director
Jennifer McKeirnan, Board President
Seattle Audubon Equity & Justice Committee