Reflections On How Matterport Celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Every Month

Here in the US, we spent the month of May honoring the heritage and culture of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI). At Matterport, we spent the time recognizing the rich contributions Asian Pacific Islanders (API) make to our company and culture all year round. 

For us that means we are intentional about showing up for our API Matterpeeps, making space to learn, and showing empathy and respect for the API experience. As the second-largest ethnic group at Matterport, it’s important we continually recognize the many ways our API colleagues have contributed to the success of the company.

This year it was especially important because AAPI Heritage Month took place against the backdrop of a rise in anti-Asian crimes and online harassment during the pandemic, as some people have falsely blamed Asian Americans for the spread of the coronavirus. The Matterport family spent time together processing this surge in anti-Asian hate, violence, and discrimination. Emotions, moments of silence, education, resources, stories, and questions were shared. We left with a resolve to continue the commitment we made to not just value differences but to prefer them and to be part of the progress through action and change. 

We’re committed to creating a diverse workforce which includes being intentional about recruiting and developing API talent. As a company, we’re compelled to participate in activities, including those our API Employee Resource Group hosts throughout the year, that highlight the rich history and culture this community has created for the betterment of society.

We will continue to use our platform to make spaces around the world that are meaningful to the under-represented, such as the API community, accessible to everyone. Our aim is to create a shared understanding of, and build empathy for, the history and plight of these communities so important to our society. Check out a few Matterport spaces including: Ai Wei Wei on Alcatraz: "With Wind",  Temple Dongjingyuan, The Temple of Literature and Shuthaung Temple and be sure to follow our social channels - Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn - for a look at these and other special places we chose to highlight during heritage month. Check back periodically as we add to our rich library.

We encourage you to join us in supporting the API community in the following ways:

• Check out resources from the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center or Stop AAPI Hate to learn about API history, contributions and the current challenges the community is facing.

• Be an ally. Speak out against discrimination and hate.

• Support Asian-owned businesses and/or donate to an API-serving nonprofit

• Scan your favorite space celebrating the API community using your iPhone and share it here.

We’re committed to doing our part to honor API heritage every day and look forward to you joining us on our journey