People across the United States took part in demonstrations on Saturday to condemn attacks against Asian Americans and the Pacific Islands after the shooting in Atlanta that left eight dead.
From San Francisco to Pittsburgh and waypoints, men, women and children marched and demonstrated against the increase in hate crimes against members of the AAPI community, which peaked on Tuesday when a sniper aimed at three spas in the area. Atlanta. Six of the dead were women of Asian descent.
“I have dealt with words, looks and other things my whole life,” Ann Johns told NBC News at a rally in Atlanta. “My family doesn’t want me to go anywhere alone.”
In San Antonio, Texas, former mayor Juliàn Castro told protesters that the United States has an “imperfect” history that deserves to be examined.
“We need to stop hating Asian Americans in this country,” said Castro, a former Obama administration housing and urban development secretary. “For generations, Asian Americans have been discriminated against. I don’t have to say that to anyone in this crowd.”
In Pittsburgh, actor Sandra Oh told protesters that she is “proud to be Asian,” reported NBC affiliate WXPI.
“For many of us in our community, this is the first time that we can express our fear and anger, and I am very grateful for everyone willing to listen,” said Oh.
In Chicago, a protester in the Logan Square neighborhood told NBC Chicago that they came not only to show support for the victims of Tuesday’s shootings, but to prevent such attacks in the future.
“I come here, I think not only for myself, but also for my next generation,” said protester Dai Quing. “I think they should have the same opportunity and be equally respected.”
Research released this week by the Stop AAPI Hate reporting forum revealed nearly 3,800 incidents over approximately a year against people of Asian descent. Women accounted for a much larger share of the reports, with 68%, compared to men, who represented 29% of respondents.
The day after the Atlanta shooting, a 75-year-old woman in San Francisco was violently beaten while walking down the street. Xiao Zhen Xie had two black eyes and was struggling to see with his right eye. She seemed to have fought.
Captain Julian Ng, of the San Francisco police, said his department will increase its presence in Asian neighborhoods to help allay the community’s fears.
“Hate cannot have a safe haven in America,” said President Joe Biden earlier this week during a trip to Atlanta. “It must stop.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is a descendant of South Asia, added that “racism is real in America and always has been”.