About Spread AAPI Love
Spreading Love to Stop Hate
Spread AAPI Love is a project of Stop AAPI Hate for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month that amplifies the voices and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through everyday stories of resilience, celebration, solidarity, and resistance from people across our communities.
After four years of headlines and stories emphasizing the racism and discrimination against AAPI communities, there is a need to center more uplifting narratives about who Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are and the power we have to create change. In fact, new research from NORC and Stop AAPI Hate suggests that when it comes to taking action against racism and discrimination, AAPIs are more motivated by positive aspirations, actions, and feelings than they are by experiences with hate.
This Heritage Month, we want to show the world that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are more than simply victims of hate. By refocusing the spotlight on the strength, power, and cultural pride of our communities, we hope to remind people that in order to stop AAPI hate, we need to spread AAPI love.
Watch our anthem video
What is AAPI Love?
AAPI communities are extremely diverse – coming from over 95 countries or ethnic groups and speaking more than 100 languages – and we express love for our heritage in many different ways. From family traditions to community activism, we’re on a mission to document everyday acts of resilience, celebration, solidarity, and resistance from Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the U.S. Or, as we call it, AAPI love.
Resilience
Throughout U.S. history, AAPI communities have shown incredible resilience in the face of racism, discrimination, and hardship. From Japanese Incarceration during World War II to the ongoing militarization of the Pacific, to the rise of Islamophobia following 9/11, we have overcome challenges big and small through collective action, mutual aid, and showing up for our communities and other communities when it matters most.
For David Rasavong, showing resilience meant re-opening his family restaurant, Love and Thai, even after online reviewers falsely accused him of putting dog meat on the menu.
Our strength prevails: New survey data from Stop AAPI Hate and NORC at the University of Chicago shows that 3 in 4 (76%) AAPIs who experienced racism or discrimination in 2023 were motivated to mobilize for racial justice for their communities.
Celebration
At a time when Asians and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. are still shamed for our food, traditions, appearance, and heritage, every act of cultural celebration is an act of pride and a reminder that the freedom to be who we are is what makes this country great.
For Tiana Liufau, celebrating her Polynesian roots means bringing her whole self onto the dance floor and teaching her students to do the same.
Bursting with pride: A vast majority of Asians and Pacific Islanders are proud of their ethnic or cultural background (93%), and many also feel connected to their heritage (87%), according to our research.
Solidarity
As diverse as our communities are, certain things bind us together: like our shared experiences with racism and oppression and our commitment to building a safer, more equitable world. To act in solidarity is to recognize that our fates are intertwined — and that we cannot make meaningful change without setting aside our differences and showing up for one another.
After she lost her husband to hate violence, Sunayana Dumala established the Forever Welcome Foundation to advocate for all immigrants who share her struggle with racism and xenophobia.
The healing power of togetherness: Our survey data reveals 90% of AAPIs believe it is important for AAPI communities to work together with other racially marginalized communities to end racial discrimination.
Resistance
Resistance is love. It’s a show of faith in our collective strength and influence — as the makers of change and the builders of a better, brighter future. Today, AAPI communities continue to raise our voices and mobilize to confront ongoing anti-Asian racism; to preserve indigenous land after the Maui wildfires; to end the ongoing current wave of hate impacting Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and South Asians; and much more.
To resist the rise of Vietnamese language political misinformation, Bùi Như Mai started a YouTube channel where she translates news to keep her community informed.
Mobilizing against hate: Our research shows 3 in 4 AAPIs participated in activities to reduce or resist racism in 2023. This includes learning about the history of racial oppression, engaging in political activities, offering support to people affected by hate and discrimination, calling out people who discriminate against others, and more.