Dear Community,
Together, as we close out 2020—a year filled with unprecedented difficulties, heartache, and pain—it is important that we take a moment to reflect, and to remind ourselves that the era we are living in is not all dark.
As we have done since our founding in 1985, our work at the Council is driven by the principles of American democracy, especially the dreams that have attracted generations of immigrants and refugees to the United States. With these guiding principles, we have worked with state government, local government, and other public entities—and most importantly, with all of you to cocreate a system where we in Minnesota can overcome the circumstances of our births.
In 2020, we were there with you. We wept with business owners as they shared how the pandemic and civil unrest stripped them of their life savings. We watched as business owners pointed to shattered windows and pillaged commercial kitchens. We listened as community members recalled how the unrest reminded them of the wars that made them refugees. We hurt alongside parents as they shared that their best was not good enough during distance learning—not when education is the most promising bridge out of poverty. Finally, we grieved with families and communities as they mourned their loved ones who passed away from COVID-19.
In 2020, nonprofit, faith, community, and business leaders responded to our agency’s requests to work with government and design policies and procedures that allowed Asian Pacific Minnesotans to access critical resources during the pandemic. Community members stepped up and took it upon themselves to educate their respective communities about the most pressing issues of our time, including the 2020 Census and the Governor’s executive orders. Over and over our communities came together to deliver masks, food, and other critical resources to the vulnerable amongst us. Too often, we saw our community leaders serve until the moment they lost their personal fight with COVID-19.
In this dance between darkness, inspiration, and cautious optimism, our Council acknowledges that we would not be where we are today without the dedication and commitment of our community members. With heartfelt conviction, we recommit to working within state government to ensure that our communities’ struggles and assets are seen, understood, taken into consideration, and reflected in the decisions of state government. We recognize that we are all exhausted, but we must wake up each morning and push forward individually and together.
As we pivot to 2021, we also remind ourselves that we, Asian Pacific Minnesotans, have a history of resiliency and triumph in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Let us find solace in our belief that our human spirit will carry us through the darkest times. And, let us welcome the new year firm in our knowledge that if we work together, there will be many opportunities to forge and strengthen bridges to one another—not in charity, but as a testament to the mutual understanding that our fates are tied together.
We at the Council wish you all happy holidays.
Sincerely,
The Council Team
