Statement of Support for Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)

Adapted from social media post published on March 26, 2021

From every individual at Let’s Make Art in regards to the mistreatment and injustice the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community is facing, we actively choose to stand by our own here at Let’s Make Art and others around the world that have been affected. We stand against the hate and violence that has targeted Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

While we are all uniquely different from each other in the color of our skin, our facial features, our voices, our passions, and our life experiences, there is one thing that will always bring us back together—and that’s our love for art and self-expression. Let’s Make Art will continue to hold on to this principle as we make this a space that feels safe for all. Stand with us in leaving no room for hate in this community and stand up for love and unity. We also invite you to Nicole Miyuki’s personal Instagram post where she is leading with vulnerability and helping us to see a different perspective.

Again, we stand with our employees and for our AAPI community here and beyond.

What we can do:
Amplify AAPI voices and stories
Speak out against all forms of racism
Educate ourselves on the Model Minority
Learn about AAPI history
Donate to organizations committed to anti-racism
Converse, listen, and learn

Our artist Nicole, and our Customer Happiness team members Helen and Yuka offered to share a statement each. We support and love them and please honor their perspectives as we continue to listen and learn.

“I stand up for AAPI because subtle and not so subtle discrimination have been going on for longer than it’s been voiced. I have been called chink and I have been called small eyes. I learned as a kid that being Asian wasn’t ‘cool.’ I am standing up for my younger self who didn’t know and to show that words are powerful.”
- Nicole

“I stand up for AAPI because I have been discriminated against for the way I look and my name. I am proud to be half Japanese and it is important for me to embrace qualities about myself that make me unique.”
- Yuka

“I stand up for AAPI because I want my sister to not send me messages like: “I’m actually starting to have fear cross my mind that something could happen to my family.” As a half-Filipina (called ‘mestiza’ in the Philippines), I have been asked “where are you really from?” and had my flat nose called out. It's time to stop Asian hate, combat Asian stereotypes, and celebrate the characteristics that make us all unique.”
- Helen