Activism

Hundreds Come to Marin Rally to Stop Asian Hate

“We are here to stand against race-hate and crime against Asian Americans, and against official policies that do not recognize Asian Americans as equal members of society.” Asian Americans need to stick together to fight the many biases, violence, and hate that is directed toward them, Phan said.

Published

4 years ago

April 9, 2021

Mia Lane

Left: Jean Chan, Nhan Phan. Right from top: Sage Shih Kushner, Mary Jane Burke, Rev. Floyd Thompkins (Photos by Godfrey Lee)

Several hundred people gathered at the Rally to Stop Anti-Asian Hate to protest against the hatred and violence against Asians. They gathered on March 26 next to the Arizmendi Bakery in the San Rafael Courthouse Plaza.

The Asian American Alliance of Marin (AAAM), along with 17 other community organizations, organized and sponsored the rally.

The demonstrators shared a moment of silence to mourn and honor the eight victims, many of Asian heritage, who were slain at the spa massacres in Atlanta, Ga., on March 16. They are Soon Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Yong Yue, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, and Daoyou Feng.

Jean Chan, the founder of the Asian American Alliance of Marin, said “We stand with all communities for justice because any violence against a fellow human being is an act of violence against all of us.”

Nhan Phan, co-president of AAAM, said that “We are here to stand against race-hate and crime against Asian Americans, and against official policies that do not recognize Asian Americans as equal members of society.” Asian Americans need to stick together to fight the many biases, violence, and hate that is directed toward them, Phan said.

Sage Shih Kushner, a San Marin High School student, said “We need to contact and educate others about the culture of Asian Americans, what they have gone through, and what people have achieved to stop racial hate.”

Kushner is trying to create a community where Bay Area youth can learn what is harmful and hate is not OK. She is reaching out on social media to bring awareness.

Marin County Supervisor of Schools Mary Jane Burke said that Marin schools and teachers will put forward an ethnic studies requirement. Students will be required to take a course in order to graduate from high school.

“It is time that unless we stand up (for) democracy, we will lose it,” said Rev. Floyd Thompkins, the new pastor of St. Andrew Church in Marin City. “Unless we stand up (for) right, wrong will win.”

Thompkins said that Asians have experienced hatred in the past. Wrong things have been said about them, such as the myth of the Chinese being the ‘Model Minority.’ The reality is that the Chinese are just people trying to love and care for one another, like those eight people killed in Atlanta who were worked hard to support their families, Thompkins said.

Everyone has the right to live, be whole, and have liberty. We need to stand up and say ‘no’ when we hear negative mean spirited small ugly, violent things said toward others, he said.

“We need to create community, be politically proactive, and be a voice to the local legislator, or the school board, to stop Anti-Asian hate where it exists,” Thompkins said, “We must also stop the fetishism of Asian American women (who are often stereotyped and sexualized as being subservient, passive, and quiet).”

“This rally is a beginning point because in San Rafael, Marin County, we will not allow and accept hate as a way of life, as a rhetoric, or accept hate against any community, and that includes the Asian American community,” concluded Thompkins.

For more information on the rally, go to aaamarin.org/2021/03/26/official-press-release-rally-to-stop-anti-asian-hate/

Mia Lane

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Activism

Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024, 2024

Published

2 days ago

November 30, 2024

Oakland Post

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OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.

Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.

“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.

The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.

“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.

Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.

Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.

Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.

The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.

OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org

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Activism

Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years

The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Myrtle Braxton (l-r), Byran H. Harris, and Michelle Hayes. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.

That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25^th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.

The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”

Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.

The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.

“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.

“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”

Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.