Some SamTrans buses and shelters are featuring artwork from three Asian-American artists as part of the effort to respond to an increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in the Bay Area and nationally.
SamTrans partnered with the Millbrae Anti-Racist Coalition and the artists to launch the series of artwork that went on display on select buses and shelters on Thursday. The art will be showcased throughout the county until mid-July.
Eli Africa, a Bay Area resident born to Filipino immigrant parents, designed full bus wraps on two of SamTrans buses. Works by Vida Kuang, a former rider of Route 292, are featured on SamTrans buses and are the same used throughout Chinatowns during anti-hate rallies. The third artist whose work is on display is critically-acclaimed illustrator LeUyen Pham. Pham allowed SamTrans to use her work on the current cover of “America the Beautiful: Together We Stand.”
Last month, SamTrans Board of Directors adopted 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.”
To learn more about the art buses and the artists, please visit www.samtrans.com/againsthate.
Images of some of the bus artwork courtesy of SamTrans.
