Asian culture embraces peace and forgiveness and while this is a great life philosophy, it hinders many Victims of Asian Hate to speak out and report the crime. Every year, many hate crimes against Asians go unnoticed. According to data from Stop AAPI Hate Coalition, there were 3,800 reported anti-Asian hate incidents in the U.S. between March 19, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2021. Lawmakers believe this is just a tiny fraction of actual incidents. 

VAAMA aims to amplify Asian voices through a printing anthology of inspiring stories. Your story can make a difference and bring forth healing and cross-cultural empathy for a more united and strong country. We welcome any form of written work up 500 words, including essays, poems, short stories, articles, etc.

If selected, your personal narrative will be featured among other stories in a printed publication. The expected release date of the anthology is September 2023. The anthology will be published in English and in its original language. 

Please fill out the submission form below. You can submit the essay in any preferred language of your choice.

By submitting, you attest that this is an original work and that you grant and transfer to VAAMA the exclusive right to publish the submission in English and Vietnamese. This grant and transfer of rights include the right to publish excerpts of the submission for the purpose of publicity on our website, social media, newsletter, in a print catalog, and in other online and print materials. You also attest that the submission infringes no copyrights, contains no libels, violates no rights of privacy, and otherwise contravenes no laws. Your submission is subject to VAAMA’s final edits. Additionally, you understand that both the writer’s fee and your complimentary copies of the book are subject to VAAMA's funding availability.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

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