Dear friends,

Howard County takes pride as one of the most diverse and inclusive communities across the nation. Our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community members have persevered through prejudice and exploitation, all while playing a vital role in our growth, culture, and society. We are extremely disheartened by the violence in Georgia, which was targeted toward Asian Americans. Our hearts go out to families of the victims and those who may be suffering in silence.

We wholeheartedly oppose hate bias of any kind toward any of our minority communities, but especially amongst our AAPI community who have been subject to recent hate bias in Howard County and around our nation. We all have a responsibility to ensure that all our residents feel safe, respected, and treated with the dignity that we all deserve. The County’s vision of community is a constant work in progress, which is why workgroups like the AAPI Workgroup were founded.

As President Biden recently said, ‘Hatred against Asian Americans is un-American.’ We must unite to eradicate any hate and create a welcoming community where every person can live their best life. If we want to go far, we must go together and be the change we seek. I stand proudly in support of our AAPI community and encourage every resident to do their part to eliminate any negative bias in their circles.

On Wednesday, March 24th, at 5:30 p.m., there will be a Stop Asian Hate Solidarity Rally with AAPI Communities at the Columbia Lakefront to honor those we lost to violence and to stand up up to hate toward the AAPI community. I hope you will join us.