Amid increasing hate crimes targeting Asians in the Bay Area and nationwide, local middle schooler Ashlyn So has organized the “Stand for Asians Rally” in San Mateo this Saturday.
Slated for Sat., Feb. 27 at 1 p.m., the peaceful rally aims to “give a voice to those who are voiceless” and to raise awareness surrounding Asian hate. People of all ages and races are invited to don their masks, make signs and come speak up against Asian hate crimes, especially those targeting elders. Speakers at the end will discuss how the local community can “step up to alleviate the situation with compassion, education and unity,” stated rally organizers on the event site.
Rally participants will meet Saturday at San Mateo Central Park, 50 E. 5th Ave. in San Mateo between the back of the bleachers and the parking entrance on 5th Ave.
“What you can do about anti-Asian violence? It starts with showing up and speaking up,” said San Mateo Councilwoman Amourence Lee in promoting the event. “Then it needs to turn into a practice of participating in the collective effort to create lasting change.”
To register for free or for more info about the Stand for Asians Rally, click here.
On Monday, California legislators approved $1.4 million in state funding to support the Stop AAPI Hate reporting center’s research and help the organization track anti-Asian incidents, which have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Photo: A woman holds a sign that reads “end the violence against Asians” at the End The Violence Towards Asians rally in Washington Square Park on February 20, 2021 in New York City. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, violence towards Asian Americans has increased at a much higher rate than previous years. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) reported a 1,900% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
