“Because there were so few people who looked like me in my business throughout my career, I've been so cautious about drawing attention to my ethnicity, to my gender. To bring these issues to the fore has been very uncomfortable, but necessary. I hope that I've inspired people in my own community to no longer be content to sit on the sidelines. It's been an incredible experience to see this community come together.”

Lisa Ling is a beloved and gifted journalist and TV star. Since the age of 18, she has traveled the world as a reporter. Lisa's reporting always gets to the human heart of the stories she uncovers. She is a bright star within the Asian American community. But in the wake of COVID-19 – as violent attacks and other racist activity against Asian-Americans skyrocketed – she stepped up into an even more powerful and visible role.

This week, Van and Lisa talk about the impact of anti-Asian racism and how the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has come together. They bond over the often overlooked but rich history of solidarity between Asian and African Americans in the United States. Tune in to hear what true solidarity sounds like, how we can come together in times of violence, and why it’s so important that we recognize our shared goals.

#StopAsianHate

New episodes of Uncommon Ground with Van Jones release weekly, every Wednesday.

Is there a community outside of your own that you can support? How can you use your voice to uplift and protect those who don’t look like you? Call 347-770-2785 and leave Van a voicemail. Your comment or question will be recorded, and may be played and answered on a future episode of Uncommon Ground!

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