“Not to be racist, but your eyes are really big for an Asian.” Despite being worded like compliments, statements like these reduce people to stereotypes — and that’s exactly what racism does, even when disguised in well-intentioned comments or jokes. These remarks prove that racism still permeates our casual conversations, no matter how “anti-racist” people claim to be.

Throughout history, the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have been surrounded with grief, loss and violence. But there have also been moments of joy, resilience and progress...