OCA Greater Seattle stands in solidarity with hundreds at rally against hate crimes toward AAPIs
Hundreds gathered in Seattle’s Chinatown International District on Saturday, March 13 to protest attacks on AAPIs throughout the country. The event was part of several organized events in the state that day.
From March 2020 through December, Stop AAPI Hate reported 2,808 incidents against AAPIs – a figure crowdsourced and likely an undercount. In addition, according to the FBI’s Annual Hate Crime Report, there were 7,134 hate crimes in 2019 – a marked increase from the year before. In Washington state, there were 542 hate crimes – the second highest per capita in the country.
OCA Greater Seattle called on elected officials to take long term action in a statement.
“While we recognize the need for public safety, it should not come at the expense of over-policing communities – that is not the answer. As AAPIs, we understand first-hand how the overcriminalization of the justice system disproportionately impacts communities of color. We must seek alternative solutions in ensuring safety, building trust between communities, and fully resource ourselves to address the systemic issues perpetuating the cycle of violence. Such recommendations require nuance, long-term commitments, and looking at the issue with a holistic lens. We are ready to be a part of that conversation.”
Read the full statement here.
News coverage:
“Seattle demonstration decries ‘cowardly’ violence against Asian Americans, elders” (Seattle Times)
“Hundreds rally in Seattle against racist attacks on Asian Americans” (Q13)
“Hundreds gather at Seattle park to protest attacks on Asian Americans” (MyNorthwest)
