Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1367665
sagaftra.org | Spring 2021 | SAG-AFTRA 53 few years, which shows spikes in violence against Asian Americans and others, makes it clear that we, as a society, have a long way to go — but the key to making progress is standing together. "I've been quite aware of prejudice growing up and through the years," said SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Los Angeles, Clyde Kusatsu during a bracing panel on anti-Asian hate, co-sponsored with the Asian American Journalists Association. "The silver lining is, for the first time, we are uniting to proudly identify with [the Asian American and Pacific Islander community] and finding the fellowship and unity in a shared purpose through SAG-AFTRA." Changes in the industry are also presenting challenges and opportunities. "The fight is real to remove barriers for performers with disabilities, and the scope of the challenge is even broader with the growth of new media, especially streaming," observed SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer Camryn Manheim. SAG-AFTRA members are uniquely positioned to change the conversation. With an audience that spans across the nation and around the world, they have people's attention. Whether through their work onscreen or behind a microphone, on social media or through content they are producing themselves, they have exceptional reach to help promote a shared understanding of why inclusion is so important, and to tell the stories that aren't being told. As the week of events concluded on April 16, Ezra Knight, a SAG-AFTRA National Board member and co-chair of the National Ethnic Employment Opportunities Committee, called out the terrible cost paid by so many in the struggle for civil rights and representation. It was a sobering reminder of why these issues are so important. "This has been an amazing week," he said. "I just want to take a moment to give heartfelt consideration for all those who have lost their lives in the good fight for equality and inclusion." "Taking action to stop the hate starts with each of us," added White. "But collective action aggregating the power of our individual members makes achieving real change truly possible." Videos of Stop the Hate Week discussions can be viewed at sagaftra.org/videos. ASSAF COHEN Actor We have to change the narrative about what it means to be Middle Eastern. GERI JEWELL Actor I am a survivor, but more than a survivor, I'm a thriver. And that's what we all are as seniors. Click to WATCH Click to WATCH What are the 5 D's of bystander intervention? DISTRACT, DELEGATE, DOCUMENT, DELAY and DIRECT Find out more at ihollaback.org/bystander-resources