AAPI Solidarity Statement

Statement regarding the events in Atlanta.

KKFI stands in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in condemnation of the senseless and horrific massacre of eight innocent people, six of them women of Asian heritage, on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 near Atlanta, Georgia.

Discrimination and marginalization of Asians in America is not a recent development, but mischaracterizations of COVID-19 have unquestionably amplified the rise in anti-Asian rhetoric.

At the same time, the pandemic has proven – if proof was needed – that we are a global and interlinked community, and the health and wellbeing of one group has implications upon us all. There is no “us versus them”, there is only us.

Hate crimes are unacceptable. Singling out one group for blame is an act of cowardice stemming from fear of what we don’t know or don’t understand. What we need is the courage and willingness to look past differences and see the humanity that we all share.

Engage. Learn. Ask.

KKFI, Kansas City’s independent, noncommercial radio station, encourages you to get involved (or stay involved) in the conversation. This senseless violence cannot continue.

We are so much better together than we are alone.

Lesley Pories, KKFI Board President.