F.I.G.H.T. was started by a group of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) men who were at one time incarcerated in the Washington State prison system. F.I.G.H.T. is a direct outgrowth of the organizing that many of us did through different API groups in different prisons. This organizing built deep bonds of unity among us. Together we learned about our own diverse cultures and political histories, life experiences and perspectives. We also created cultural celebrations featuring various forms of celebrations featuring various forms of traditional arts, like language, music and dance.
Upon being released, we stayed committed to continuing to support each other, whether inside or outside of the prison system. We support both current and formerly incarcerated APIs through mentoring, advocacy, outreach, and political education. We encourage each other to embrace positivity, compassion, strength, hope, confidence, building healthy lives and health communities, while breaking the cycle of mass incarceration.
It is easy to start a project but it is hard to do it well. Well, not for us.