This #AAPI Heritage Month, we challenge you to only read books written by AAPI authors. Check out these books that recount lived experiences and highlight stories of what it's like to grow up in America. Support your local AAPI-owned book stores by purchasing your books here.
Republished from The Black Maternal Health Caucus | View original post In the richest nation on earth, moms are dying at the highest rate in the developed world – and the rate is rising. For as dire as the situation is for all women and birthing people, the crisis is most severe for Black moms, who are dying at 3 to 4 times the rate of their white counterparts. Native Americans are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes. One study found that in New York City, Hispanic birthing people experienced severe maternal morbidity at 1.8 times the rate of non-Hispanic white birthing people. Other research has shown that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have higher rates of maternal mortality during hospitalization for delivery, even after accounting for other factors that affect outcomes.
IGNITE is pleased to announce that we have a slate of new directors for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. These dynamic leaders join a diverse, creative and committed team of executives and IGNITE alumnae who are deeply committed to growing our movement and are passionate about changing the face of our democracy.
How politically engaged are you? Are you ready to run for office or do you plan on keeping your engagement to voting and maybe emailing your legislators one in a while? Play ACTIVATE to see where you fall on the spectrum and IGNITE will get you some resources to fuel your political power!
Marilyn Strickland made history in the November general election when she became one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. Discover more about Marilyn Strickland’s career and history-making win below.
Being a parent in elected office is no easy feat. It requires balancing work with childcare in environments that sometimes make parents choose between their health and their job. That’s why we need more moms in elected office to create policy changes that support pregnant workers. Learn more about some of the amazing AAPI moms below and advocate for the Pregnant Worker’s Fairness Act.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Every year, this is an opportunity to listen and learn about the diversity within AAPI communities as well as how deep the connections are to all facets of American history. This month is a celebration that every American should partake in. Since many AAPI individuals have been taught to assimilate, it can be difficult for some to take pride in their cultures and truly embrace their identities. But when they know that allies are willing to uplift AAPI stories, that makes it easier for everyone to understand that our differences are what makes us all beautiful and unique. Watch these TED Talks and learn more.
On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, we all witnessed one of the most critical verdicts of our lifetimes that is setting the precedent for future generations. We witnessed accountability - a step in our journey to dismantling systemic racism in the United States. While this is a step towards justice, the work persists. No matter what the verdict was, it will not bring back George Floyd. When we say BLACK LIVES MATTER, we mean we should have the right to live, that people should see all people as humans, and that we should create a world where it is set up for people to thrive.
Tarana Burke is the founding member of the Me Too Movement, a social movement against sexual violence and sexual assault. Born in a working-class family in the Bronx, Burke was sexually assaulted during her childhood and teenage years. Her experiences motivated her to work toward uplifting women of color.
Content warning: Sexual assault Reporting and talking about trauma is one of the many challenges survivors of sexual assault face. Especially for college women, whose age bracket experiences sexual assault at the highest rate, they need safer spaces to have these brave conversations and report their experience. This is where the “Campus Accountability Safety Act” enters the scene to expand upon the work of Title IX and the Clery Act.