Since the pandemic, anti-Asian hate crimes have increased an estimated 150%, according to the CSUSB. However, anti-Asian sentiments and behavior have existed long before the pandemic. While anti-Asian sentiments are not new in our nation's history, this recent physical violence is a new wave being felt by our community of this generation. It is a dangerous trend and needs to be stopped in its tracks.
Our organization was born as a direct response to an anti-asian incident that took place in our neighborhood of Flushing. Teresa Ting, president and founder, noticed another form of the pandemic on the rise: the lack of response from bystanders and onlookers. Whether this discrepancy was a result of society’s lack of empathy, absence of bystander education, or perhaps a mixture of both, she knew that taking action was the best way to alter this dynamic and bring about change. Her purpose was to equip individuals with the proper knowledge to better protect themselves, and each other to navigate their daily lives safely with confidence. Our initiatives lend a helping hand in fostering a community of proactive upstanders who continue to show up, speak up, and stand up for one another.
