Stop The Violence Against Our Asian American Communities
Fox13 recently broadcasted a story on local civil rights organizations calling for more help and resources to combat violence impacting Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Washington, after local leaders, individuals, and organizations signed a petition that was sent to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell last week. See below to read the petition text.
Stop The Violence Against Our Asian American Communities
September 19, 2023
Dear Mayor Bruce Harrell, City Attorney Ann Davison, and CM Tammy Morales,
Our beloved Asian community has been rocked with the targeting of our elders, home invasions, hate crimes in Chinatown ID, and the mockery of our death by the Seattle Police.
The “confidential under investigation” response does not mask the anti-Asian racial hate that belies the fourteen Asian American home invasions. It only emboldens haters. When an older white man takes a sledgehammer and breaks 9 windows at the Wing Luke Museum in Canton Alley and says he did it because “the Chinese have ruined my life” and ”I came to Chinatown because something had to be done” – that’s a hate crime. It gives permission for other haters to assault and victimize our community members.
On September 5, the Asian community held a press conference to bring attention to the home invasions targeting Asians in south Seattle, and the Friends of Little Saigon held a protest in Chinatown ID (CID) Little Saigon against the continued daily crime and drug trafficking. The recent push back against a Seattle police officer mocking the value of Jaahnavi Kandula’s life after she was hit and killed by an SPD vehicle, shows indifference, disrespect, and little regard for Asian American lives. These are community calls for help.
What do we have to do to be heard? What other evidence do you need to take leadership?
For starters, we ask that you:
1. Immediately assign two community service officers/safety coordinators to assist south Seattle residents and work with community organizations.
2. The Mayor and Police Chief hold a press conference in the CID immediately to state their support of the CID and the API Community, and their zero tolerance for any ANY anti-Asian activity throughout the City.
3. Publish safety tips in multiple API languages safety tips in API newspapers and the media.
4. Fund two safety coordinators for south Seattle.
5. Convene a public safety task force to work collaboratively with our impacted communities.
6. Re-fund youth programs like Seattle Youth Initiatives that can prevent and redirect youth away from crime towards positive pursuits.
One Seattle is no Seattle when the Asian community has been terrorized and victimized. We need your help and urgent actions to stop this now.
Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Seattle Lodge Pres. Kevin Lee
Filipino American Political Action Group of WA Political Voice Chair Maria Batayola
Japanese American Citizens League Greater Seattle Chapter Co-Pres. Stan Shikuma
OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates of Greater Seattle Pres. Connie So
