Activism
Asian Americans Know Centuries of White Supremacy Too
![](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/vincent-chin-ap_20057747086689.jpeg)
I’m all for recycling. The good kind. Paper. Plastics. Just not the hate.
But what do we have with us in Atlanta?
It’s Vincent Chin, you know the Asian American killed in Detroit in 1982 with a baseball bat by
a white auto worker angry at Japanese imports taking over the market.
But Chin was Chinese, not Japanese. Details.
That’s why I say Atlanta was Vincent Chin with the names changed.
Soon Chung Park, 74, worked at Gold spa.
Hyun Jung Grant, 51, the single mother who worked at Gold Spa to support herself and her two
sons.
Suncha Kim, 69, a Gold Spa worker.
Yong Ae Yue, 63, a worker at the Aromatherapy Spa.
Xiaojie Tan, 49, the owner of Young’s Asian Massage.
Daoyou Feng, 44, an employee at Young’s Asian Massage.
Those six names strike the discordant history of the hateful treatment of Asian Americans in this
country, from the Chinese Exclusion Act in the 19th Century to today.
Asian Americans know hate and racism from their first day in America.
President Joe Biden recognized it. And now suddenly, Biden has become one of the most
pro-Asian American presidents the U.S. has seen since Reagan signed the bill giving Japanese
Americans redress.
Think about that. Did either of the Bushes, Clinton, or even Obama do anything that addressed
Asian American existential angst like Biden?
One thing for sure, the last president was the absolute worst. He slurred Asian Americans and
made us targets.
In contrast, Biden has shined a light on us and made us visible.
He selected Vice President Kamala Harris, who is half South Asian of Indian descent.
As he began his presidency, Biden signed an unusual executive order making sure everyone in
the country knew that the attacks on Asian Americans were wrong and “un-American.”
He came out strong for us in his first national television address a few weeks ago.
And then, after meeting with local AAPI leaders after last week’s shootings in Atlanta, Biden
once again elevated our status simply by showing everyone he has our backs. His remarks are
worth remembering because they put him on record, as he described the impact of Trump
administration rhetoric on the AAPI community.
“It’s been a year of living in fear for their lives,” Biden said of all AAPIs in the country. “Hate
and violence often hide in plain sight and often are met with silence. That’s been true throughout
our history. and that has to change.
“Because our silence is complicity. We cannot be complicit. We have to speak out. We have to
act. For all the good the laws can do, we have to change our hearts.
“Hate can have no safe harbor in America. It must stop. And it’s on all of us, all of us together, to
make it stop.”
Strong words, from no less than the president of the United States.
It’s enough to unite Asian Americans. Is our fear enough to unite a country?
Not with Republicans like Texas Congressman Chip Roy, who couldn’t find the empathy at last
week’s Judiciary Subcommittee hearing to change his heart and join in condemning the murder
of eight people in Atlanta, six of whom were Asian American women.
“My concern about the hearing is that it seems to want to venture into the policing of rhetoric,”
said Roy, a Trump backer who was trying to defend the ex-president’s “China Virus” and “Kung
Flu” remarks.
Asian American voters, a third of whom voted Republican for Trump, should remember this. The
Republicans who remain hell-bent on defending Trump’s big lie–that he won the 2020
election–see “China Virus” as a matter of Trump’s free speech.
And what of the thousands of AAPIs victimized by his hateful turn of phrase?
Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) let him have it.
“This hearing was to address the hurt and pain of our community, and to find solutions,” Meng
said in a rare show of emotion and passion. “We will not let you take our voice away from us.”
That’s where we are today.
People are angry. And only the Democrats truly seem interested, not just in stopping the hate but
in recognizing it.
This week, Meng and Sen. Mazie Hirono continued to campaign for their Covid Hate Crime Bill
that would have the Justice Department conduct fast reviews of possible hate crime cases. This
was thought up long before the shootings in Atlanta, but it would seem to be perfect timing. The
the bill also sets up an online reporting system in different Asian languages that would stop the
undercounting of hate crimes and make it easy for AAPIs to report them.
Robert Aaron Long, 21, the Atlanta shooting suspect, has been charged with eight counts of
murder and one count of aggravated assault. Long has admitted to the shootings but told police
he was just a religious man battling sex addiction. The shootings Long told police, weren’t
racially motivated.
That’s what they all say.
Ronald Ebens, who killed Vincent Chin with a baseball bat, said the same thing.
Ebens did get off without spending time in jail. Long is being held without bail while the police
continue to investigate.
That does nothing for Asian Americans, still grief-stricken and angry. Hate crime enhancements
could easily be applied if the new Georgia state hate crime statute that expands coverage to
include sex as well as race, is used.
But if that’s not forthcoming, it would definitely send Asian Americans a harsh message of our
real value in this country.
It will also test the community’s strength and courage. What will our response be then? Will
others in the BIPOC feel our pain, join us in alliance, and speak with one voice in unison against
these crimes?
Or will AAPI be left wondering how we get justice for our six sisters killed in Atlanta?
Soon Chung Park.
Hyun Jung Grant.
Suncha Kim.
Yong Ae Yue.
Xiaojie Tan.
Daoyou Feng.
They are our dead, the latest in the sad narrative of Asian Americans in this country since the
19th Century, the agonizing history of recycled hate.
Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He’s a veteran Bay Area media person and a
former host of NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Go to his blog at www.amok.com for an
interview with Oakland playwright Ishmael Reed about Reed’s new play on the exploitation of
Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Activism
‘Donald Trump Is Not a God:’ Rep. Bennie Thompson Blasts Trump’s Call to Jail Him
“Donald Trump is not a god,” U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told The Grio during a recent interview, reacting to Trump’s unsupported claims that the congressman, along with other committee members like vice chair and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, destroyed evidence throughout the investigation.
![Congressman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. Courtesy photo.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/rep-bernie-thompson-featured-web.jpg)
By Post Staff
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said he not intimidated by President-elect Donald Trump, who, during an interview on “Meet the Press,” called for the congressman to be jailed for his role as chairman of the special congressional committee investigating Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021, mob attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“Donald Trump is not a god,” Thompson told The Grio during a recent interview, reacting to Trump’s unsupported claims that the congressman, along with other committee members like vice chair and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, destroyed evidence throughout the investigation.
“He can’t prove it, nor has there been any other proof offered, which tells me that he really doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” said the 76-year-old lawmaker, who maintained that he and the bipartisan Jan. 6 Select Committee – which referred Trump for criminal prosecution – were exercising their constitutional and legislative duties.
“When someone disagrees with you, that doesn’t make it illegal; that doesn’t even make it wrong,” Thompson said, “The greatness of this country is that everyone can have their own opinion about any subject, and so for an incoming president who disagrees with the work of Congress to say ‘because I disagree, I want them jailed,’ is absolutely unbelievable.”
When asked by The Grio if he is concerned about his physical safety amid continued public ridicule from Trump, whose supporters have already proven to be violent, Thompson said, “I think every member of Congress here has to have some degree of concern, because you just never know.”
This story is based on a report from The Grio.
Activism
City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library
“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”
![Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/oakland-celebrates-main-livrary-featured-web.jpg)
The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades
Special to the Post
The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.
Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.
“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”
“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”
“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”
“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”
“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”
The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.
The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.
The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
About the Oakland Public Library
The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org
Activism
Biden’s Legacy Secured with Record-Setting Black Judicial Appointments
His record surpasses previous efforts by his predecessors. President Jimmy Carter appointed 37 Black judges, including seven Black women. In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s first term resulted in only two Black women appointed out of 234 lifetime judicial nominations. The White House said Biden’s efforts show a broader commitment to racial equity and justice.
![iStockphoto.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bidens-legacy-secured-featured-web.jpg)
By Stacy M. Brown
WI Senior Writer
President Joe Biden’s commitment to diversifying the federal judiciary has culminated in a historic achievement: appointing 40 Black women to lifetime judgeships, the most of any president in U.S. history.
Biden has appointed 62 Black judges, cementing his presidency as one focused on promoting equity and representation on the federal bench.
His record surpasses previous efforts by his predecessors. President Jimmy Carter appointed 37 Black judges, including seven Black women. In stark contrast, Donald Trump’s first term resulted in only two Black women appointed out of 234 lifetime judicial nominations.
The White House said Biden’s efforts show a broader commitment to racial equity and justice.
Meanwhile, Trump has vowed to dismantle key civil rights protections, including the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
“Having the Black woman’s experience on the federal bench is extremely important because there is a different kind of voice that can come from the Black female from the bench,” Delores Jones-Brown, professor emeritus at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, told reporters.
Lena Zwarensteyn of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights told reporters that these district court judges are often the first and sometimes the final arbiters in cases affecting healthcare access, education equity, fair hiring practices, and voting rights.
“Those decisions are often the very final decisions because very few cases actually get heard by the U.S. Supreme Court,” Zwarensteyn explained.
Biden’s nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court further reflects his commitment to judicial diversity. Jackson became the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Patrick McNeil, spokesperson for the Leadership Conference, pointed out that over half of Biden’s Black female judicial appointees have backgrounds as civil rights attorneys and public defenders, experience advocates consider essential for a balanced judiciary.
Meanwhile, Congress remains divided over the expansion of federal judgeships. Legislation to add 66 new judgeships—approved unanimously by the Senate in August—stalled in the GOP-controlled House until after the election. House Republicans proposed distributing the new judgeships over the next decade, giving three administrations a say in appointments. President Biden, however, signaled he would veto the bill if it reached his desk.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., argued the delay was a strategic move to benefit Trump’s potential return to office. “Donald Trump has made clear that he intends to expand the power of the presidency and giving him 25 new judges to appoint gives him one more tool at his disposal,” Nadler said.
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