ASATA members mobilized around many issues in February. On February 7th, we marched through the streets of Oakland with Brown And Green: South Asians for Climate Justice, to demand a ban on fracking in California. During the week leading up to this historic protest, ASATA member Anu Mandavilli organized a teach-in about the issues surrounding fracking, such as the impact on farmers, immigrant communities and California’s water supply. Participants then painted protest signs saying “You Can’t Drink Oil,” “Ban Fracking Now,” and “Toxic Lies.” Anu also gave a speech at the rally in Downtown Oakland before the march started and addressed the Labor contingent, who celebrated solidarity among all workers.

On February 19th, Preeti Shekar dedicated her segment on APEX Express to a discussion about Islamophobia and racial justice after the tragic shootings in Chapel Hill. Participating in the discussion were ASATA members Sabiha Basrai and Anirvan Chatterjee, along with journalist Hani Taha from Al Jazeera. The conversation focused on anti-black racism, the impacts of white-supremacy and why the hashtag “Muslim Lives Matter” is not the way to show solidarity. Anirvan spoke in more detail about the project Black Desi Secret History. Listen to the full program here.