Gathering Planned In Westfield Saturday To 'Stop Asian Hate'

Westfield NJ

26 March, 2021

1:16 PM

Description

WESTFIELD, NJ — A gathering has been planned to support the Asian-American community and "Stop Asian Hate" in Westfield this Saturday at 1 p.m. (details here). The event is one of several that has been planned this month in response to an increase in bias incidents against Asian Americans in the United States. A report released earlier this month by the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University showed incidents of hate and bias crime were up 149 percent against Asian Americans in 2020, compared to in previous years (the report is here). Many say the rise is linked to the current pandemic. And this past week, a study showed that bias incidents against Asian Americans are on the rise in New Jersey. READ MORE: NJ Bias Incidents Against Asians Up 82 Percent Various North Jersey political leaders had issued statements last week condemning the murders of eight women in Atlanta, including six Asian-American women. Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle also spoke out, saying that two Westfield families had experienced hateful rhetoric. "Please join us in standing United against the wave of anti-Asian racism and violence," says a Facebook post. "We are all Americans and we deserve peace, safety and respect. All friends are welcome but please wear a mask and bring a sign to share your feelings." #StopAsianHate #PeacefulProtest #BringYourSign #wearyourmask The gathering place is the park at 385 East Broad St. For those interested in Maplewood's vigil the day before, details are here. Related news: A Short Hills-based professor wrote a recent essay against Asian hate, and spoke to a reporter for the Record about her experiences. See those links here. Got news? Email [email protected]. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.