Entertainment Sports Damian Lillard Encourages Others to 'Be Good Allies' in NBA's AAPI Month PSA: 'Stand Up, Speak Out' In a new PSA launched in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May, the Portland Trail Blazers athlete decries the recent rise in violence against the AAPI community By Lindsay Kimble Lindsay Kimble Lindsay Kimble is a Senior Digital News Editor and the Sports Editor for PEOPLE Digital. She's worked at PEOPLE for over seven years as a writer, reporter and editor across our Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams, covering everything from the Super Bowl to the Met Gala. She's been nominated for the ASME NEXT Awards for Journalists Under 30, and previously wrote for Us Weekly while on staff at Wenner Media. People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 10, 2021 03:39 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Damian Lillard. Photo: Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Damian Lillard is helping the NBA advocate for change in America. In a new PSA launched in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month this May, Lillard — who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers — decries the recent rise in violence against the AAPI community. "May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month," Lillard says. "As we celebrate, we must also acknowledge the troubling rise in violence and discrimination towards Asian Americans this year. Hate and bigotry against anyone has no place in our game — or in our communities." 14 Brands to Support for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month — and Always Lillard, 30, adds, "Now is the time to stand up, speak out, and be good allies. We must continue our fight to stop discrimination and xenophobia, together. To find out how you can get engaged, visit StandAgainstHatred.org." Lisa Ling, Naomi Osaka, Jeremy Lin, Kevin Durant, and More Help Launch The Asian American Foundation The findings of a study released in March of police department statistics shows that hate crimes against Asian Americans rose by nearly 150 percent in 2020 amid the coronaviurs pandemic, despite hate crimes overall dropping by 7 percent. Lillard has been outspoken about hate against Asian Americans, posing for photos in a "Stop Asian hate" shirt earlier this year. The NBA, too, is doing its part. Last week, the league announced its support of the Asian American Foundation. If you've been attacked or have witnessed an attack, please contact your local authorities. You can also report your incident here. To learn more and to report crimes, go to: Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Stop the AAPI Hate, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, Asian Americans Advancing Justice-LA, and Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council.