Fight hatred and embrace common prosperity, a special feature published every month in the San Francisco World Journal

Cupertino, nestled right in the heart of Silicon Valley, has become a favored haven for many Asian families. Recent images show locals enjoying leisurely strolls through the community center, soaking up the afternoon sun. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Asian American community has encountered unprecedented challenges, most notably a significant surge in anti-Asian hate crimes. A staggering 149% increase in such crimes was reported in the U.S. in 2020, and this shocking figure escalated to 339% in 2021, leaving deep emotional scars within the Asian community.

In response, we launched the “End Hate, Embrace Unity” initiative in July 2023. This monthly discussion series brings together political figures, government agencies, community organizations, mental health counselors, and even victims of anti-Asian violence, aiming to tackle this critical social issue and advocate for community solidarity against discrimination.

Engaging Voices from All Sectors

Our initiative has attracted a diverse array of political representatives, including San Francisco City Council President Aaron Peskin, California Assemblymember Evan Low, and Republican Congressional candidate for California’s 11th District, Chang Sheng Lou. Peskin, who has spent a year and a half in various Asian cities, possesses a deep appreciation for Chinese culture. Having served multiple terms as a council member for Chinatown, he has been a strong advocate for honoring the late community leader Wei Lan by proposing the naming of a subway station in her memory. Witnessing anti-Asian incidents during the pandemic, he has emphasized the need for surveillance cameras at these sites to bolster community safety.

Assemblymember Low has played a pivotal role in drafting legislation that supports the Asian American community. He championed the historic API Equity Budget during the pandemic, which allocated $166.5 million to tackle disparities faced by Asian Pacific Islanders. Additionally, he introduced Assembly Bill 2596, successfully establishing the Lunar New Year as an official holiday in California—an embodiment of his pride in his Chinese heritage and his ongoing fight for Asian American rights.

Government agencies are also integral to this initiative. Contributions from U.S. Attorney for Northern California Ismail J. Ramsey, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco Transportation Authority Director Jeffrey Tumlin, and Public Relations Officer Jessie Liang further bolster our efforts for public safety and justice.

In a recent interview, Jeff Rosen outlined three central goals in addressing hate crime cases: holding offenders accountable, protecting the community, and empowering victims. Since taking office in 2010, he has seen the number of Asian Pacific Islander prosecutors in Santa Clara grow from 20 to 37, reflecting a commitment to diverse representation. A recent armed robbery targeting an Asian individual was classified as a hate crime, raising community awareness about the gravity of these offenses.

For the San Francisco Transportation Authority, public safety, especially for Asian individuals and the elderly, is a top priority. Jessie Liang emphasized that the agency has hired several safety ambassadors to enhance passenger security. Passengers experiencing aggressive behavior are encouraged to utilize the non-emergency assistance line (311), while emergencies should be reported to 911.

District Attorney Ramsey has partnered with nonprofit organizations to create three public service announcements titled “We Belong,” aimed at unifying the community against hate crimes. These ads feature testimonials from diverse communities, including Chinese, Japanese, Jewish, and Muslim individuals, all united in their resolve to combat hatred.

Despite the evident challenges in prosecuting hate crimes, the San Francisco District Attorney’s office remains determined. In July 2023, four cases involving assaults on elderly individuals proved difficult to prosecute due to a lack of evidence. Brooke Jenkins, the District Attorney, acknowledged these challenges but stressed the importance of ensuring maximum accountability and punishment for offenders, regardless of whether a case meets the legal threshold for a hate crime. She also underscored the need to provide Cantonese-speaking victims with access to Cantonese-speaking defense attorneys.

Mental Health Matters

The “End Hate, Embrace Unity” initiative takes a holistic approach, focusing not only on political and legal perspectives but also on the psychological well-being of victims and support for their families. Mental health advocates from organizations like the Mental Health Advocacy Coalition (MHACC) have been consulted to address the emotional toll of hate crimes.

Dr. Li Wei Qian highlighted that cultural norms within the Asian community often cause victims to minimize their emotional struggles, making it essential to offer emotional support and foster open discussions within families and communities.

Several high-profile anti-Asian incidents have drawn public attention, particularly in San Francisco’s Chinatown, such as a tragic assault on an elderly individual and an attack on three elderly Asian persons. Elaine Peng noted the pressing need for safety among this demographic, introducing the concept of a community safety patrol in collaboration with the East Bay Taishan Association to ensure security in Chinatown. During the pandemic, the MHACC developed two mobile applications, “UrSpace” and “Misunshine,” to provide vital mental health resources for the Asian community.

Bay Area modern dancer Wang Ziru, who has personally faced racial discrimination, transformed her experiences into a modern dance piece titled “VANTAGE,” conveying the impact of discrimination through movement. Alongside mental health organizations, she has developed dance therapy courses to help victims process their inner struggles through physical expression.

Yu Jiawen’s life took a drastic turn when her grandmother, Yik Oi Huang, became a victim of anti-Asian violence. In the wake of this tragedy, she co-founded the nonprofit organization “Communities as One,” designed to mobilize community resources, enhance minority participation, and promote healing and intercultural understanding.

The initiative has also welcomed comedian Huang Xi, who used his recent stand-up work, “This Asian Man Hates Asian Hate,” to raise awareness about discrimination against Asian individuals.

The response to our initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with individuals like Miss Liao sharing their personal experiences with discrimination in the U.S. She expressed hope that the media will continue to spotlight this important social issue.