The surge in hate incidents against Asian Americans during the pandemic has taken a very personal toll on individuals and families across the country. NBC News legal contributor Katie S. Phang and LX News host Jobeth Devera share their personal stories related to the increase in racism and make a case for why it is everyone’s responsibility to fight hate.
Friday, March 26, is being honored as the National Day of Action and Healing to stop hate against Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Groups and individuals have been rallying around #StopAsianHate to say "enough" amid a disturbing rise in hate crimes and following a devastating mass shooting in Georgia.
Why March 26? It marks the day the 1790 Naturalization Act was enacted, limiting United States citizenship to free whites only. It took centuries to repeal the legal discrimination.
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The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans' put together a toolkit detailing ways you can help, including messages to share on social media, workshops and ways to donate to families of crime victims.
How to Help
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
A worldwide virtual vigil is scheduled for 7:30-8:30 p.m., including prayers, readings and remarks from political leaders. You can join here.
In the Washington, D.C., area, Friday will be marked with events including a vigil at Howard University.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration planned to donate $10,000 to Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate. It’s a collective of dozens of District-based chefs who aim to raise awareness and funds to fight racism.
You can support Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate by ordering one of their special curated dinners that come with dishes from popular restaurants including Moon Rabbit, BKK Cookshop, The Salt Line, Rasa and Kaliwa.
Most of the profits will go to a group called Stop Asian American and Pacific Islander Hate, which tracks crimes and supports victims. Here are dates and details.
You can also support Asian-owned restaurants and other businesses in the D.C. area.
Howard’s Virtual Candlelight Vigil Against Hate is scheduled for 7 p.m. You can watch on www.WHUT.org. To participate, take a picture holding a candle and tag #StopViolenceNow.
