TAAF Condemns Hateful Disruption of Seattle Diwali Event

TAAF strongly condemns the disruption of a Diwali event at the Seattle Center Armory on Saturday, where demonstrators carried xenophobic, hate-filled signs in front of families observing the Festival of Lights. 

Diwali is a sacred time for South Asian communities to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. Today, as anti-South Asian hate continues to rise in the U.S., shameful incidents like these remind us of that enduring struggle and the power we each hold to challenge hate and bigotry in all their forms.

We stand firmly with our South Asian community in Seattle and across the nation, and intimidation will not dim the joy of Diwali. No one in America should have to fear harassment for simply celebrating their faith, culture, and traditions.

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About The Asian American Foundation (TAAF)

TAAF serves the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community by promoting safety, fostering belonging, and advancing prosperity. Launched in 2021 in response to the rise in anti-Asian hate and to address the long-standing underinvestment in AAPI communities, we invest in initiatives to combat anti-Asian hate, integrate AAPI studies into school curricula, elevate authentic AAPI storytelling, and expand resources and representation for our communities. Through our high-impact initiatives, events, and investments in national and local nonprofits, we’re creating a permanent and irrevocable sense of belonging for millions of AAPIs in the United States. For additional information about TAAF, please visit www.taaf.org or follow @TAAForg on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or Facebook.