Dear Supporters,
We started this petition after a 90 year old Asian grandmother was attacked and set on fire in July 2020. Since then we have continued to see hate attacks increase and have seen them turn even more violent, like those in Georgia.
We called for action from government officials to take a stand against hate crimes. Here are some updates:
- The NYPD recently announced an initiative implementing the use of plain clothes officers in Asian American communities and transportation systems to prevent hate crimes. Two Asian American detectives will also be added to the Anti-Asian Hate Crime Task Force. In addition, there will be outreach in the communities speaking with residents and businesses about working together to take on this issue. https://abc7ny.com/anti-asian-hate-crimes-nypd-initiative-bias-crime/10447140/
- New York State Senator Brad Hoylman (Chair of the Judiciary Committee) and Assembly Member Karines Reyes introduced legislation to improve the state’s ability to monitor and respond to hate crimes. We are hopeful that this is a step towards having real data on these crimes and finding ways to shape policy and formulate solutions to put a stop to these attacks. https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/brad-hoylman/amid-disturbing-rise-attacks-new-yorks-asian-american-community
https://abc7ny.com/robert-boyce-hate-crime-charges-chinatown-stabbing-asian-man-stabbed/10388490/
If you are in New York, we urge you to call your state representatives and ask them to support this bill. We encourage those outside of New York to work with their representatives to introduce similar legislation that will help put a stop to these hate crimes.
Our organization, Homecrest Community Services, continues to serve Asian seniors throughout New York City, who remain alarmed about the growing number of attacks. Many of the seniors and families that we serve remain afraid to leave their homes, which is part of why we are working so hard to stop these crimes.
We stand in solitary with all victims of hate and will continue to demand accountability from government officials and develop solutions to end the hate. No one should ever be afraid to walk outside of their home.
Thank you for your support, and please share this call for action with your friends, family, and neighbors.
Don Lee, Homecrest Community Services