On January 11, 2023, an Asian student was viciously attacked by a stranger, a stark reflection of the surge in anti-Asian sentiment.

This video delves into the aftermath of the attack, highlighting the resilience of the Asian community and the unifying power of music in overcoming trauma and in the fight against hate.

Featuring advocates such as Helen Zia, journalist and founder of the Vincent Chin Institute, and through personal stories, community responses, and the production of “Silent Theater”—a musical piece born out of defiance and hope—the video underscores the enduring fight against racism and the importance of speaking up and standing together.

These efforts received significant support from Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity, which addresses disparities in health outcomes by backing community-led efforts to overcome systemic barriers to well-being.

Funding from Direct Relief was vital in helping the Vincent Chin Institute establish a network to respond rapidly to hate incidents across America, focusing on assisting Asian American and Pacific Islander populations in regions with little or no support. It also helped fund the “Hope Not Hate” event and facilitated community outreach and resilience-building activities.

Since launching the Fund for Health Equity in 2021, Direct Relief has granted more than $50 million to more than 150 organizations across the U.S.