Our Story
As senseless, violent hate crimes targeting Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) surged since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, co-organizers Michelle Tran, Kenji Jones, and Howard Chen knew they had to take action. Saddened by this xenophobia and sickened at how many attacks have targeted the most vulnerable, they formed Soar Over Hate to equip folks to better protect themselves and fight back against anti-Asian racism and violence.
Since March 2021, Soar Over Hate has broadened its volunteer base, distributed 45,000+ personal alarms, whistles, and pepper spray across New York and California. We have organized "AAPI Care Fairs" and other events, building community and serving thousands with self defense classes, puppy therapy, meditation classes, group therapy, mental health referrals, hepatitis B screenings, and other vital community resources.
Soar Over Hate serves the AAPI community other ways:
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Our need-based annual Bright Futures Scholarship for high school seniors, which has distributed $27K worth of scholarships to deserving students.
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Our Heal From Hate Therapy Fund that has provided free culturally competent therapy to victims of anti-Asian hate incidents. We have covered over $4,000 worth of therapy sessions.
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Our monthly Free Self-Defense Classes, in collaboration with OCA-NY and Jessica Ng. Through our classes, we've empowered over 300 individuals to stand up against anti-Asian violence and racism.
Soar Over Hate is excited to continue expanding these programs with the help of donors like you.