Our Mission

AFI’s mission is to fight all forms of injustice and decrease AAPI hate by providing services that support the victims of anti-AAPI hate crimes, curating educational resources that increase the safety of our city, and executing programs which aim to unite the various communities of NYC.

AFI Executive Director Derrick Leon hands out packaged meals during an AFI Dumplings of Love event.

Photo by Deborah Fong (https://www.debfong.com/)

 

We Empower AAPI Voices

In order to fight against racism, AAPI Voices must be given space to be heard. We aim to break the Asian stereotypes, disband the “model minority myth,” and educate the public. To that end, we achieve this by hosting public forums and talks to foster a better understanding of the Asian American experience.

The performers and volunteers of AFI at the 2021 Day of Unity event held in NYC.

Get involved.

We’re a 100% volunteer-run organization. Would you like to get involved or offer ways to connect us with other organizations? Fill out a brief interest form.

 

We SUPPORT AAPI Victims

Hate crimes against Asians have increased 600% since 2021 in New York City. Victims and their families need emotional, mental and community support to move past their trauma and heal.

Liz Kari, daughter of hate crime victim Vilma Kari, speaks at Day of Unity.

Liz Kari, daughter of hate crime victim Vilma Kari, speaks at Day of Unity.

 

We STAND Against Hate

We stand against all forms of hate against all communities. We believe that racism against one is racism against all. Teams of our volunteers attend other organizations’ protest events, rallies and forums so that we may foster better relations and understanding with people of color.

AFI volunteers with Executive Director Derrick Leon at a march in NYC
 

We FIGHT For Real Change

Our primary mission is to work towards decreasing anti-Asian hate crimes through policy changes. That means increasing AAPI political representation and supporting policies that promote our safety and well-being. We hope to have a lasting impact on the political sphere, applying pressure where necessary to get funding and support. We demand from NYC electeds, and in particular Mayor Adams:

(1) Assist the violently mentally ill unhoused by taking them off the streets and hospitalizing them with humane services and psychiatric treatment until they prove they are no longer a danger to themselves or others utilizing Kendra’s Law

(2) Appoint more AAPIs to the Office of Hate Crime Prevention & Criminal Justice Reform

(3) Establish an AAPI Task Force composed of community leaders to understand and prioritize the needs of the AAPI community. 

 

Asians Fighting Injustice & Our Founder’s Work has been featured in:

 
 
 
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