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Fight Against Hate: Solidarity with the AAPI Community

 

Hate has no place in our society. We must always look to build communities where people of all backgrounds are protected and have the ability to live, work, and thrive.

The latest incident of racial violence in Atlanta this week is absolutely heartbreaking. Eight people, including six Asian American women, lost their lives to a white gunman. My condolences are with those who lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence. It is on all of us who care about racial equity and justice to address the rise in hate crimes toward members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

I want to express my solidarity with the vibrant AAPI community of Harris County. We see you and we are committed to working alongside you to keep our communities safe.

This increase in harassment and attacks on Asian Americans must stop. I am proud that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are speaking out against these acts of brutality. I want to echo their remarks of solidarity and outrage.

Words are powerful! All leaders must choose their words wisely and use their voices to advocate for a society designed where we can all thrive and feel safe.

Calling out racism and hate against anyone is the responsibility of everyone. Together we can support each other through our collective grief and stand in solidarity against the forces that try to divide us.

The public is invited to attend OCA-Greater Houston Chapter’s Stop Asian Hate Vigil and Rally on Saturday, March 20, at 5 pm at Discovery Green’s Grace Event Lawn to show solidarity to our local AAPI community and to honor the victims of the Atlanta shootings.

Sincerely,

Rodney Ellis