Advancing inclusion and belonging for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities is critical to guaranteeing the safety and security of the American people. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric has put Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) persons, families, communities, and businesses at risk.
The Federal Government must recognize that it has played a role in furthering these xenophobic sentiments through the actions of political leaders, including references to the COVID-19 pandemic by the geographic location of its origin. Such statements have stoked unfounded fears and perpetuated stigma about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and have contributed to increasing rates of bullying, harassment, and hate crimes against AAPI persons. These actions defied the best practices and guidelines of public health officials and have caused significant harm to AAPI families and communities that must be addressed.
David Inoue, Executive Director dinoue@jacl.org and Sarah Baker, VP Public Affairs sbaker@jacl.org.
Today we have seen the culmination of months of seditious rhetoric from the President and his supporters. For too long white supremacy and hate have gone unchecked in our nation; there can be no other word for what has happened today with the storming of the Capitol than treason. These heinous acts, encouraged and supported by our President, should not go unpunished – Congress must immediately begin the process of impeachment and removal of the President of the United States for acts of sedition.
On this day, Congress was supposed to certify the electoral college votes, confirming President-Elect Biden as the next President of the United States. Instead, right-wing terrorists desecrated the Capitol with violence and menacing intent. Law enforcement was not prepared for this situation and their restraint today is in stark contrast to the abhorrent treatment of Black Lives Matter protestors during the summer. What we have seen today at our Nation?s Capitol is not only an affront to our democracy, but it sends a clear message to our fellow Americans and the rest of the world that the United States truly does not value Black lives. This is the epitome of white privilege.
JACL emphasizes the importance and the power of words and calls upon the media to report on the situation accurately. These are not protestors; these are violent white supremacist terrorists. To refer to them as protestors denigrates those who engage in legitimate peaceful protest. Social media networks must also crack down on hate groups that have been using these outlets to openly plan the violent acts that have unfolded today.
The December issue of the Portland JACL newsletter was mailed on December 1. Unfortunately people have just been getting the newsletter on December 28. We are still mailing paper newsletters this month so this was not the official start of our e-newletter. Don’t forget to let us know if you would like to continue to receive the newsletter in the mail with a suggested annual donation of $25 to cover the cost of printing and mailing. You can let us know at PO Box 86310; Portland, Or 97286 or you can go to “Contact Us” on this website.
Everyday for the month of January, the activity scheduled for the day will be available on the Mochitsuki website at mochipdx.org. You can access the video anytime after it is posted. Our only live program will be the music and panel discussion with Elena Moon Park on January 31st at 1 p.m.
January
1 Hatsumode Shrine/Temple Vist by Konko Church and Henjyogi Temple
2 Koto Performance by Oregon Koto Kai
3 New Year’s Card Making by Japanese Women Portland
4 Organic New Onion and Potato Miso Soup from Scratch by Chef Nakao
5 How to Play Go by Portland Go Club
6 Trivia Game: Oshogatsu-Japanese New Year by PSU Institute for Asian Studies
7 Ikebana Flower Arrangement by Ikebana International-Portland Chapter
8 How to Celebrate New Year in Japan by Portland Kimono club
9 Storytelling by Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo
10 Why MOCHI for the New Year? by Takohachi
11 How to Make a 5-Minute Microwave Mochi by Cooking with Mazzy
12 Hariko: Japanese Head Bobber Toys by Lynn Geis
13 Trivia Game: OSECHI-Japanese New Year’s Food by PSU-Institute for Asian Studies
14 Way of the Staff by Rose City Shindokai
15 Tea Ceremony by Nikkei Fujinkai
16 Story Reading: “Thank You Very Mochi” by Paul Matsushima
17 Kids Practice Calligraphy by SORA shodo
18 Ways to Eat Mochi by Konko Church
19 Origami: How to Fold a Kagami Mochi
20 Trivia Game: MOCHI by PSU-Institute of Asian Studies
21 Oshushishushishushi and Okinawa Elsa Fold Dance by International School
22 How to Choose and Cook Tasty Rice by Consular Office of Japan in Portland
23 Taiko Performance by Portland Taiko
24 Children’s Flower Arranging by Wild Children’s Flowers
25 Gyoza (dumplings) by Cooking with Mazzy
26 Sapporo Snow Festival by Portland Sapporo Sister City Association
27 Trivia Game: What is Mochitsuki? by PSU-Institute for Asian Studies
28 Mochi and Art by Japanese American Museum of Oregon
29 Large Brush Calligraphy by SORA shodo
30 Mochi Pounding by Utsukikai
31 History of Portland Mochitsuki
Live musical performance and panel discussion with Elena Moon Park at 1 p.m.
