Over the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated decades of racial inequality and political animus, converging to produce even greater division, tension, and hate in the country. For our community, this resulted in widespread violence, attacks against elders, economic struggle especially among small businesses as well as low-wage and undocumented workers, and mental health challenges for many including our young people.

We recognize that the post-pandemic context demands an embodied leadership that addresses our community members’ needs for physical, mental, and spiritual health, and wellness. AA CARES is uniquely situated to support the future leaders and innovators of the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We innovate, educate, conduct research, and collaborate with the community and San Francisco State University (SFSU) through an Ethnic Studies lens in order to uplift and give voice to the lived experiences of diverse segments of our multi-ethnic and intersectional community. It is essential that we work in solidarity and collaboration with Asian American communities and other ethnic and racial groups.

AA CARES is housed under SFSU’s Department of Asian American Studies within the College of Ethnic Studies, the only college of Ethnic Studies in the United States. The Department of Asian American Studies, the oldest and largest Asian American Studies department in the country, grew out of the 1968 Black Student Union/Third World Liberation Front Student Strike. Ethnic Studies is known as a champion for the historical preservation and recognition of people of colors’ contributions to this country. Ethnic Studies is also a champion for contemporaneous issues challenging our communities, ensuring that Asian American public health, educational equity, and psychological needs are met. As we look into the future, Ethnic Studies will be crucial in shaping conversations about AI, new technology, environmental justice, and climate change in order to create a more racially and socially just and equitable society.

The Asian American community is active in shaping our lives, community, and society. We are committed to ensuring that our histories and lived experiences are recognized as well as being active changemakers in shaping our society's future.