SamTrans Launches Anti-Asian Hate Crime Campaign

SamTrans has partnered with the Millbrae Anti-Racist Coalition and three Asian-American artists, to launch a series of new anti-racism artwork on its buses and shelters in response to the recent increase in attacks on the AAPI community.

The artwork, which depicts diverse images of people spreading the message to “Love our Communities,” will be showcased throughout San Mateo County until mid-July 2021. The decision to share this message through art follows the SamTrans Board of Directors decision last month to adopt a resolution in support of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and anti-racism.

“SamTrans serves a diverse population that continues to experience bias, discrimination, and unequal outcomes and treatment,” said SamTrans Board Chair Charles Stone. “SamTrans, as an agency, believes in tolerance and inclusivity. We condemn the increasing number of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI), including harassment, bullying, and violent acts. We believe every person should be valued and respected, and we support and stand with the AAPI communities in San Mateo County and across the nation.”

About the Artists:

Bus Wraps – Born to Filipino immigrant parents, Eli Africa designed the full bus wraps on two of SamTrans’ buses. Currently living in the Bay Area, one of Africa’s first jobs was drawing caricatures on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

Bus Art – A former rider of SamTrans Route 292, Vida Kuang’s work has been seen throughout the Bay Area to send a strong message of “Love Our People, Heal Our Communities.” The art on SamTrans buses are the same used throughout Chinatowns during rallies to protest anti-Asian Hate and solidarity among communities.

Shelter Ads and Bus Art – Award-winning and critically acclaimed illustrator LeUyen Pham allowed SamTrans to use her work on the current cover of “America the Beautiful: Together We Stand.” Currently living in Los Angeles, LeUyen and her family fled Vietnam during the Vietnam War. She worked at DreamWorks Studio in Redwood City before its closure.

Learn more about the campaign.