Editor's note: A previous version of this article misstated a quote.
Asian American leaders in Cincinnati as well as allies have organized a "Stop Asian Hate" rally on Sunday following the killing of eight people in Atlanta, including six Asian women.
"There are so many incidents of hate against Asians, we are at the point that we have to say stop, enough is enough and the community is under so much pressure," said Felicity Tao, with the Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange. "Because of the incidents from last Tuesday, we need a moment to come together, to grieve and to demand changes."
Organizers began planning this rally on Thursday. It is not a march, but a chance to gather, share stories and show solidarity. "Let us know if you can help us, if you can be our ally," Tao said. "This event is primarily for the community to heal."
Asian community leaders as well as other activist groups will present during the gathering. There will also be an open mic section, where community members will be asked to share stories, as well as a moment of silence to honor Tuesday's victims.
This "healing session" comes after a long 12 months, says Hao Cong, a member of Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs are the main organizers. "In the past weeks and couple months... Every day somebody somewhere is hurt. My son has even asked me, am I going to get bullied because of how I look?"
Discrimination looks different in Cincinnati, according to Tao, it is not necessarily hate crimes. It's not like we're walking down the street being attacked, she said.
"We are a 'model minority,' meaning the invisible minority, we're not in the conversation a lot of the time," Tao says.
Social distancing and mask-wearing will be strictly forced during the event. Organizers will pass out masks to those who do not have one.
Greater Cincinnati Chinese Cultural Exchange and Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs are the main organizers but they encourage everyone in Cincinnati to come.
A local Chinese family spoke out about racist, violent threats they said they've endured this past year and the distressing surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans across the country. The Wong family owns Oriental Wok in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
"Acts of hate have no place in our city, in any place," said Michele Young with the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs. "Asian Americans have been blamed irrationally, treated with hate because of a virus that has nothing to do with them."
The event will be at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 21.
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