Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Comcast NBCUniversal Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Comcast NBCUniversal Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 03, 2021
Each year, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month provides a special opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of the AAPI community to our country. With incredibly diverse cultures, languages, traditions and experiences, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are an integral part of the fabric of our nation. At Comcast NBCUniversal, we’re honoring their trailblazing accomplishments with programming, events and content for our customers and employees throughout May.
As we celebrate the achievements of the AAPI community this year, we do so against the backdrop of an appalling increase in reported anti-Asian violence and discrimination. Our company is deeply committed to doing our part to fight these injustices, and using our platforms, programming and partnerships to raise awareness and create change. To aid in stemming the tide of violence, we’ve pledged $2 million in direct support and resources to Asian-led and Asian-focused social justice and nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to push back against the xenophobia and hateful acts we are seeing each day. Comcast NBCUniversal has long been committed to supporting this community and these grants are in addition to the nearly $10 million in existing commitments this year to AAPI organizations through the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and social impact programs. And to further honor the extensive and often unrecognized contributions of the AAPI community, we’ve launched a cross-portfolio campaign with the theme ‘We Belong’, supported by $10 million of media support to air the campaign nationally.
NBC’s AAPI Heritage month content extends across brands and programs. Highlights include the Nightly News film, “Rising Together: Asian American Activists,” with journalist Vicky Nguyen exploring the rise of activism in the AAPI community, and NBC Asian America featuring AAPI voices from Gen-Z to the Greatest Generation sharing stories of racism, discrimination and how they've spoken out.
On our Xfinity platforms, we are elevating the stories and voices of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through programming. The Xfinity Asian American Film & TV destination has partnered with Gold House and the Bruce Lee Foundation to curate a powerhouse collection of documentaries, television series and award-winning movies available on Xfinity X1, Flex and the Xfinity Stream app. Titles include Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir (PBS), The Donut King (PBS), Parasite (Hulu + EST), Inside the Films of Bong Joon-ho (Kocowa) and Yellow Rose (STARZ) among many others. To explore, just say “Asian American” into your Xfinity Voice Remote, or look for a selection of these offerings on Xfinity Flex and the Xfinity Stream app.
Comcast Newsmakers will release EQUALITY, IDENTITY AND HOPE: THE ASIAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. The special panel discussion will explore the deeply rooted history of Asian American discrimination and its relationship to the current crisis of violence — and ways that activists, educators, and community leaders are joining forces to raise awareness and drive change for future generations. The program first streams on Comcast Newsmakers’ Facebook page Thursday, May 13 at 7 p.m. ET, and will also be available on Xfinity On Demand and ComcastNewsmakers.com.
As a part of our startup engagement team, LIFT Labs is shining a spotlight on Asian American and Pacific Islander alumni from the Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs Accelerator, powered by Techstars. These exciting startup founders are the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers whose products include AI-powered tech solutions from speech therapy to fan engagement, sports tech advancements, and monetization to inclusive gaming and more!
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Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are also cultural influencers, with a powerful impact on the American mainstream. Across our social media and Xfinity platforms we’re featuring three brilliant content creators, whose inspirational and joyous creations draw upon their cultural heritage to foster community. Digital artist Dena Nguyen, Chef Priyanka Naik and stained-glass artist Janel Foo represent authentic, diverse perspectives and we’re honored to partner with them during this month and beyond.
Dena is a graphic designer and digital artist. She uses art as a form of social commentary and a tool to connect to people around the world on social media. Follow her @denanguyencom.
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Priyanka Naik is an author, host, and self-taught vegan chef. Her global-inspired recipes focus on sustainability can be found on her social media and blog, Chef Priyanka. Follow her @chefpriyanka.
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Janel Foo is a stained glass artist who founded Create to Stop Hate, a social media auction collecting funds for Stop AAPI Hate organizations. Follow her @janelfooglassworks.
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Our employees will also be coming together to celebrate AAPI Heritage month with a variety of virtual events led by our Asian Pacific American (APA) Employee Resource Group, including panel discussions with senior Asian American company leaders, movie screenings and more.
This year and every year we are proud to recognize and celebrate Asian American Heritage Month and we’ll continue to empower and support our employees, audiences and the communities we serve, as we work to create a more equitable, just and inclusive world and company culture.
