Keller Williams Arizona Realty

What You Should Learn About AAPI History

Members of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee along with Johanna Villanueva all giving the “heart” sign with their thumb and forefinger after Johanna presented about AAPI history.

 

On April 17 Johanna Villanueva of AAPI Youth Rising (AAPI = American Asian and Pacific Islander) came to Keller Williams Arizona Realty to speak about AAPI history. Members of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee first saw Johanna at the Tempe Unity Walk during the summer. She hosted at a literature table and was sharing information about their organization and what they do. Their organization arose in response to discrimination many people experienced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

AAPI Youth Rising: The Beginning

 

AAPI Youth Rising is an organization of students leading an effort to make significant and positive changes in their communities. During March of 2021 the organization held a rally in Berkeley, California. The rally came about because several Asians in America had been the target of violence and discrimination as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to infect millions. 

 

Uninformed and xenophobic people were put on notice that day as several youth, other organizations, and members of the Berkeley city council spoke out against these injustices. Through the efforts of these brave AAPI youth, new initiatives include teaching about the issues and bringing the message of AAPI history and culture to schools and communities.

 

One Day of AAPI History Lesson

 

From this first effort, AAPI Youth Rising went on to grow into other areas of the nation. Currently they note they have over 70 Chapter Leaders in over 15 different states. They have also created a “One Day of AAPI History Lesson.” Through this one-hour class, many untold stories of Asian American and Pacific Islanders come to light.

 

Johanna presented the One Day of AAPI History Lesson at KWAZ and shared many important points about the impact of AAPI history in the US:

 

AAPI History Highlights

 

Annexation of Hawaii

This actually arose due to long struggled between native Hawaiians and non-native American businesspeople over control of the government.

 

Chinese Exclusion Act

This ban on Chinese laborers immigrating to the US for work was passed by Congress and signed by President Chester A. Arthur. This act was created on the supposition that Chinese laborers caused a danger to some locations.

 

Ellison S. Onizuka

Ellison was the first Asian American in space. He as a mission specialist in 1985 on Space Shuttle Discovery’s STS-51C mission.

 

Recent AAPI History Developments:

 

  • 8 out of 10 AAPI youth are subject to bullies
  • 7 out of 10 AAPI youth have experienced cyberbullying
  • As of the 2020 Census, Asian Americans are the fastest growing minority in America
  • Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island passed legislation in 2022 to mandate AAPI history in K-12 schools.

 

What Does This Mean?

 

Ultimately, AAPI history is clearly a large part of the history of America. The more we as real estate agents understand our history, the greater our ability to understand points of importance to our prospects and clients.

 

Keller Williams Arizona Realty is widely known as the best Scottsdale real estate brokerage, and for good reason. Our Coaching Program provides agents with everything they need to be successful in their real estate business. Command Technology gives our agents a full suite of industry-leading tools and resources that are highly effective and easy to use. Agents have an extensive number of training classes and special events designed to help them learn and grow in the real estate industry. 

 

Contact our Leadership Team members to find out about all the benefits of joining our brokerage!

 

Call us today: 480-767-3000

 

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