The Last Stand Part III: We’re on to you, API Cares

Last month, I wrote about the tokenization of Pacific Islanders at API Cares (a UW RSO) and offered my perspective on who’s actually doing the work of engaging Pacific Islander students in conversations on mental health and wellness. Joseph Seia, a well-respected Samoan community leader in south King County, created a stellar graphic that illustrates how allies can support Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

We’re on to you, API Cares. These perspectives aren’t things that I sh**ed out of my pants. They’re shared across many Pacific Islanders who are fighting for the health and well-being of their families and communities. There’s no “if’s,” “but’s,” and “and’s.” Any delays to decolonizing API Cares will unnecessarily continue to uphold the structures of systemic violence against PI student communities for some time.