By Yuna Kha
2020 is the year where we have seen some historical moments like COVID-19 causing global quarantine to most countries, the rise of alcohol and drug consumption (1), and riots and looting over racial and gender injustice. However, we have also seen other historical moments such as racism being declared by the City Council of Minneapolis as a public health issue, which was pushed by grassroot organizations such as Reclaim the Block, Black Visions Collective, and MPD150 (2).
During COVID-19, grassroots organizing is becoming more visible and at the frontlines, especially those centered on identity building. Because of how grassroots activism and how it’s helpful to mobilize broad social movements (3), supporting these grassroots organizing efforts does not just address and end these issues, but unites a community together towards a path of healing and prevention. To better understand this, I interviewed two young Asian Americans about their thoughts, experiences, and the role of grassroots organizing efforts in identity building.
I am writing this blog with many things in mind: one is to support grassroots organizing, provide a space to process, and create a better sense of community under COVID-19. COVID-19 has caused a lot of separation and isolation for people and I hope this blog can create space to end isolation through grassroots organizing.
The first blog is an interview with Amy, a young Chinese American activist, who is exploring and navigating the nuances of identity being an immigrant and her opinions on grassroots organizing efforts. Next is an interview with Nat, a young Vietnamese Queer activist who explores and navigates the topics of queerness, U.S. imperialism, and how grassroots organizing is able to allow these spaces to exist, processed, and create activism. Lastly, I, Yuna, share my experiences working with AAOP (Asian American Organizing Project) on grassroots organizing efforts in identity building. Throughout all stories, each reveals their experiences with the identity organizing and combating isolation.
Mostly likely, these next coming blogs can evoke different emotions such as: anger, sadness, confusion, etc. I want you to recognize these emotions and practice self care. I also do recognize that these stories can be triggering for some people. With these blog series, I want you, the reader, to be able to take this time to reflect, acknowledge your emotions and body, and allow yourself to be truthful about how you feel in the moment.
Footnotes:
- LaNeve, Nicole. “Substance Use On The Rise During COVID-19 Pandemic”. The Recovery Village, 2020, https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/news/drug-alcohol-use-rising-during-covid/.
- “Minneapolis City Council Vows To Dismantle Police Dept. After Mass Protests & Grassroots Organizing”. Democracy Now!, 2020, https://www.democracynow.org/2020/6/8/minneapolis_police_abolition.
- Hanhardt, Christina B, and Youngmin Choe. Safe Space: Gay Neighborhood History And The Politics Of Violence.