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As people become more and more used to quarantine being the new “normal”, the International Leadership Foundation has been making advances in the world of media. Yesterday, they held a press conference – over the popular telecommunication software, Zoom – to declare their new website: united-usa.net.
UnitedUSA is a platform for collecting and sharing information about the efforts made by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities around the U.S. in the fight against COVID-19. Their mission is to share inspiring stories, positive messages, and inform the public about the best practices to strengthen our communities in these challenging times.
Dozens of influential Asian Americans tuned in to listen and give their remarks, ranging from New York to Seattle and everywhere in between. Participating members such as Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Queens), International Leadership Foundation (ILF) CEO Chiling Tong, ILF Chairman Paul Hsu, and countless others contributed to the success of UnitedUSA. They discussed the purpose of this new platform and how it would impact the nation as well as the Asian-American communities within.
The ILF also lauded their members for their donations and support to their communities. Various businessmen, congresswomen, and national leaders shared their stories of giving back to the community, while also encouraging audience members to stay strong and united.
Lately, anti-Asian sentiments in America seem to have escalated drastically. In the meeting, Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Queens) brought up one of these instances, sharing the story of Natasha Chen. Chen, a reporter for CNN, was providing coverage at Myrtle Beach this Memorial Day Weekend when a random beachgoer shouted at her to “get out of his country”. Unfortunately, she is one person from a population of over 30 percent of Americans, who have witnessed someone blaming Asian people for the pandemic.
Tina Wei Smith, the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, also pointed out the alarming increase in prejudice toward the Asian community and has announced national efforts in order to pass legislation to protect targeted peoples from discrimination. Thankfully, this rising tension has been brought to attention and numerous politicians have sought ways to remediate it, including President Donald Trump.
Despite the xenophobic responses to Asians in America, the Asian community has rallied together, donating over 8 million masks, 1 million gloves, and 30 million dollars. However, even with this abundant generosity, there has hardly been any mainstream media coverage.
Numerous members of the Asian-American communities and the ILF have stepped up to provide volunteer services, medical relief, and monetary donations to support those affected by COVID-19. This virus has caused the worst economic destruction since WW2 with over 38.6 million people filing for unemployment and millions of businesses at risk of closing permanently.
However, many organizations are generously contributing to the relief efforts. HF Foods Group Inc. (NASDAQ: HHFFG), an industry leader of Asian restaurant supply corporations, donated nearly 400 tons of fruits and vegetables to food banks throughout North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as well as countless masks and gloves to Los Angeles hospitals.
With these and countless other efforts, the ILF inspires change not only within Asian and Pacific Islander communities, but across cultural and state borders. The ILF hopes to give these people a voice and recognize the efforts that they have made towards helping the United States.
