Supporters gather for 'Rise Up with Asians Rally' event in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There was a big show of solidarity on the Peninsula Friday as city and county leaders stepped up calling for an end to hate and violence against the Asian American community.
"I worry about my husband, children, grandchildren and the entire community," said South San Francisco City Councilmember Flor Nicolas.
RELATED: Bay Area filmmaker releases PSA to 'Stop the Hate' against Asian Americans
Nicolas says she won't be silent anymore about racism and violence against the AAPI community.
"I don't want my grandchildren to be scared because they're Asian. Let's stand up and talk about this," Nicolas added.
She joined with elected colleagues from across San Mateo County to denounce the horrific violence, caught on camera, often targeting Asian American seniors.
"Enough is enough. We will no longer be the silent minority," said Hillsborough City Councilmember Marie Chuang.
VIDEO: 'What the hell is wrong with us?' Newsom condemns anti-Asian racism in San Francisco
"My parents told me it was important to stand up for myself," said Clayton Lau.
Lau came to the rally with his sister and mother, Julia, who held a sign calling for unity. She says anti-Asian racism is nothing new.
"I grew up in the 1980s, back when Japan-bashing hit a climax like it is today. I don't want my kids to go through this in another 40 years," said Julia Okuda.
The Stop APPI Hate Coalition says there have been nearly 4,000 anti-Asian incidents since the pandemic began, about 45% of them in California. South City police say those numbers are likely higher.
RELATED: Find resources to help with equality, justice and race issues
"There's a lot of people in the Asian community who don't want to come forward but we're encouraging them to come forward, can help you," said Sergeant Fahmida Murphy from the South San Francisco Police Department.
Police tell those who are fearful to be aware of their surroundings when In public. For this group, raising awareness is the first step. Silent no more.
"This is an awakening, a chance for change, a chance for hope," Chuang added.
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Find resources to help with equality, justice and race issues
- Bay Area Asian Americans share powerful, painful memories of hate
- 83-year-old Asian man describes debilitating SF attack, warns people 'to be careful'
- 'Go back to China': Racist rant suspect ID'd as daughter of late NY senator
- Asian American victim considers moving out of state after brutal attack in SF
- EXCLUSIVE: 75-year-old Asian man warned about increase in attacks days before murder in Oakland
- Daniel Dae Kim, members of Congress to testify on discrimination, violence against Asian Americans
- Asian grandma knocked unconscious in unprovoked attack in NY
- Family outraged over SF DA's description of 84-year-old Asian man's suspected killer
- Nearly 3,800 anti-Asian hate incidents reported across US since March 2020, group says
- 'This is horrific': SFPD to step up patrols amid string of violent attacks on Asian Americans
- Daniel Wu, W. Kamau Bell discuss shocking crimes against Asian Americans
- Santa Cruz Warriors guard Jeremy Lin comments on racial slur directed at him
- #StandForAsians rally draws hundreds in San Mateo with 7th grader leading the charge
- Actors Daniel Dae Kim, Daniel Wu discuss violent crimes against Asian Americans in Bay Area
- Police investigating after Asian man stabbed in back in NYC's Chinatown
- Burma Superstar offers $5,000 reward as ABC7 receives reports of additional attacks on Asian Americans
- EXCLUSIVE: Former Bay Area gang member arrested after threatening to kill Asians online
- 'We're on alert': Volunteers arm Oakland Chinatown business owners with air horns for safety
- Arrest in NYC assault on Chinese woman after Olivia Munn called for public's help
- Hundreds of people are volunteering to escort elderly Asian Americans to help keep them safe
- Surge in racism against Asian Americans spurs calls for change
- Oakland police chief visits Chinatown shops, emphasizes need for 'greater presence' after attacks, crime
