In Solidarity with Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

Dear Dedham Neighbors,

We stand in solidarity against the recent murder of eight people in Atlanta that was clearly motivated by hatred, racism, misogyny, and xenophobia against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We also stand against the increased racism and xenophobia targeted at the members of the AAPI community across our communities related to the mistruths of COVID-19. The crimes of hate and racism that impact specific members of one of our communities impact all of us.

Across the country, there are reports of despicable hate, bigotry, and scapegoating of Asian Americans. Although these attacks have been ongoing, the frequency and intensity have increased since the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Dedham is no exception. Our AAPI neighbors have experienced such hate. We continue to experience and witness, as a nation, incidents of hatred and bigotry towards people of color. We, as residents of Dedham, stand against any of this hatred in our community. We also extend our support and solidarity to all who identify as AAPI.

Condemnation of violence alone will never be enough. We must act as a community to recognize the hurt and pain of our AAPI members and seek ways to ease their suffering. We must also challenge our community and each other to strive to do better and be better for our AAPI community. Our hope is that we can come together to honor the humanity of all of our neighbors regardless of race, language, immigration status, sexual orientation, and gender and honor the cultural heritage and background of all.

In Solidarity,
Margaret Adams
Christine Ambrose
Victor and Mary-Kathryn Aranda
Danielle Atkins
Andrew Barton and Ali Barton
Paquita Bass
Kimberly and David Bevans
Ali Blake
Catrell Booker-Hoban
Sharna Borsellino
Jacob Brodsky
Maureen Cahill Magane
Cailen Campbell McCormick
Michelle Cammarata
Sari Chait
Michael and Kate Cocchi
Jean Connally and Patricia Sánchez-Connally
Courtney and Josh Donati
Jayme Drzewinski
Brianna Dozier
Meg Duncan

Tracey K. Franklin
Virginia Hickey
Renee Houle
Chris Ferentinos
Sarah Hoyo and Chris Miller
Meredith Huntley
Kristina King
Mary MacLean and Mark MacLean

Sarah MacDonald
Dale Meyer-Curley
Steve Minogue
Rachel McGregor
Matthew McGuire and Jessica Porter
Kathleen O’Neil
Amy Paxson
Heather and Peter Springer
Kathy Smith and Joe Murray
Deana J. Tavares
Sarah Tarquini
Kara Tierney and Doug Smink
Molly Uppenkamp and Kevin Long

Dawn Seivers
Sarah Smegal
Sarah Vázquez-Graziani and Lynn D. Hawkins
Jean Zeiler
Martha Zeolla