Mayor Breed opens APA Heritage Month with call for unity against racism

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, spotlighted the urgent need to combat racism and promote unity through art, as highlighted by key speakers at the APA Heritage Celebration. Claudine Chang, president of the APA Heritage Foundation, opened the discussion by addressing the challenges faced by the Asian Pacific American community, particularly in the wake of COVID-19 and rising anti-Asian sentiment. She emphasized the importance of a multicultural approach to tackling systemic racism.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed echoed these sentiments in her opening remarks, stressing the significance of coming together to dismantle hatred and discrimination. "We stand up to the hatred and discrimination and say that not only will we not tolerate it, but we will actively work to dismantle it," she stated, reinforcing the commitment to building bridges between cultures.

The event featured a series of conversations among artists from diverse backgrounds, focusing on the role of art as a tool for social justice and understanding. Anne Lai, executive director of SF Film, introduced the program, highlighting themes of art as activism and the exploration of intersectionality.

The discussions kicked off with San Francisco's Poet Laureate, Tongo Eisen Martin, engaging with city librarian Michael Lambert, marking a celebration of cultural identity and community resilience. This gathering not only honored APA Heritage Month but also served as a rallying point for collective action against racism, showcasing the power of art to foster dialogue and unity in a diverse society.