As a mission-driven organization that has long championed the fundamental right for all people to enjoy the basic dignity, respect, safety, and sense of belonging that all human beings deserve, we are appalled and offended any time a member of the community is discriminated against or devalued. The recent violence and hatred displayed against Asian Americans is vile and offensive to the Y’s values; just as it is when any individual or group is demeaned. As John C. Yang of Asian Americans Advancing Justice recently said, “If you are trying to decrease the level of stigma, decrease the level of discrimination and hate and xenophobia … words matter.”
America’s continuing struggle to create a truly pluralistic society is one of the more subtle but important reasons I remain fully committed to the centrality of membership to the Y's work. Y membership is built upon the foundation of bringing together people across every economic, cultural, racial, ethnic, age, gender, faith, and social background under one roof to further community well-being. In today's world, institutions like the Y which actively serve as conveners of highly diverse community life are few and far between as we’ve continued to slice our culture into increasingly narrow, homogenous slices. While we will always change and adapt as times call for, our commitment to our values and the entirety of the community will never be compromised.
If not the Y, then who?
As so many of us enter a period of reflection this week with Passover and Easter upon us, where the themes of freedom from oppression and renewal of a spirit of compassion are celebrated, let us all together recommit to embracing a renewal of true community. Let's all be examples to our children and stand with and for all Asian Americans, and all people, now and always.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President and CEO
The Y in Central Maryland