Albany Unitarian Universalists joins the Unitarian Universalist Association, and other religious organizations and communities across the country in condemning the escalating surge of hate crimes against Asians and Asian Americans. Anti-Asian rhetoric and ignorance about the coronavirus pandemic has incited this escalation. And now, we have another instance anti-Asian violence.

 

This time it was a spree of gun violence in Atlanta GA, resulting in eight people killed by a lone gunman. Six were Asian, seven were women. Despite the lack of characterization of the crime as a hate crime by law enforcement, the intersection of racism and misogyny is on full display. And as we so often witness when shooters are White (and male), law enforcement and media have gone out of their way to humanize this perpetrator. Such characterization is inappropriate and irrelevant given the magnitude of the perpetrator’s crime. It is noteworthy, however, such humanization is rarely on display for Black or People of Color when they are the perpetrators. In those cases, dehumanization is the rule. In this one case, White supremacy is on display from many angles.

 

Systemic racism in the United States is deeply rooted, and results in discrimination, violence, and injustice across myriad communities and identities. The challenges we face in confronting and disrupting it are steep and many, but first, let’s call it what it is.

 

The UUA statement can be read here: https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/antiasian-violence?fbclid=IwAR2Hmcb5CDjHsXzDN_6MQVRvJTI4JKBdGCZB-w47CvQApsHpaCvCznhowUs

 

 

Ways To Take Action In Response To The Shootings In Atlanta And Rising Anti-Asian Hate.

 

#1 Learn the names and stories of those we lost. Six names have been released so far. Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33; Paul Andre Michels, 54; Xiaojie Tan, 49; Daoyou Feng, 44; Julie Park, 70’s; Hyun-jeong Park Grant, 50’s.

 

#2 Fill out the form here if you would like to direct resources to victims’ families and organizers on the ground. This includes funds as well as mental health, interpretation, and legal services.

 

#3 Follow @Advancing_Justice_Atl on Instagram to stay updated on response efforts and action items.

 

#4 Go to StopAAPIHate.org to volunteer, donate, and access resources on how to support the APPI community. Follow on Instagram @StopAAPIHate.

 

#5 Attend Anti-Hate Rally at Albany’s Academy Park across from the New York State Capitol. Members of the Asian American Pacific Islander community of the Capital District and their allies will come together to:

 

-Remember and honor victims of Asian hate

-Condemn the rising tide of anti-Asian violence and hate.

-Offer solutions and raise awareness of what we all can do to STOP ASIAN HATE

 

PLACE: ACADEMY PARK, corner of Eagle and Central Avenue, Albany, NY

DATE: MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021

TIME: 5:15 PM

 

Patti Jo Newell, President

Rev. Samuel A. Trumbore, Minister