Join us to advocate for full visibility, equity, and representation for our communities.

making the invisible visible

In Massachusetts, Asian Americans are often grouped together and perceived as a monolith, reinforcing an idea that all Asian Americans go through the same experiences and struggles. As a result, Asian Americans are often presumed to be successful and considered the “model minority”.

In reality, each ethnic subgroup within the Asian American community hold unique narratives, experiences, and challenges. But, the idea that Asian Americans are a monolith erases this reality and flattens the public’s understanding of the specific struggles faced by each ethnic subgroup.

data equity as a solution

Data equity increases our understanding of diverse populations and the particular challenges that various communities face. The data equity bill (H.3115) in Massachusetts will allow state agencies to collect, organize, and assemble public data on major ethnic groups. For Asian Americans, this bill is a first step in combatting the harmful biases in data.

By breaking down data into subgroups for all racial groups, it creates more visibility for the diverse experiences within communities. Such visibility can develop and foster a deeper understanding of what each ethnic subgroup needs to work, live, and play.

solidarity and growth

By increasing understanding of the ethnic subgroups, community-based groups can better tailor their services to the communities that have specific needs. For example, Vietnamese and Cambodians disproportionately face barriers to health, education, housing, and economic access.

By building on the safety and growth of each ethnic subgroup within the Asian American community, community organizations can ensure greater access to resources, such as medical supplies, groceries and legal help. With more specific data, we can begin to dispel the model minority myth and tackle the biases and prejudices Asian Americans often face.

together, not divided

Data equity is about fostering inclusivity not just within the AAPI community, but also other racial groups. Like the Asian American experience, Black and Latine communities encompass a wide range of subgroups with different needs and experiences. Through detailed demographic data, advocates, policymakers, and service providers gain a deeper understanding on systemic and societal issues faced by all major racial groups on a more granular level.

All communities deserve the information needed for access, services, and community stability and growth. Data equity is a tool to help achieve that. It unifies racial groups across the board and connects us together.