Local group steps up to help protect members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community
[anvplayer video=”5031736″ station=”998122″]
This week President Joe Biden signed into law a bill addressing the surge in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans during the pandemic.
In the Twin Cities, groups of volunteers are stepping up to help protect members of the Asian community.
It’s a movement with 200 local volunteers and counting. The issue they’re addressing: stopping Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate.
"We formed weeks prior to the Atlanta shootings, and right after that happened there was just an outpouring of volunteers," said Jennifer Amatya, a volunteer with Minnesota Asian Safety Squad.
According to the Stop AAPI Hate national report, which compiled the number of hate incidents reported to the center, hate incidents against the AAPI community more than doubled during the pandemic. More than 6,600 incidents took place around the country, and Minnesota was on the list of 20 states with the highest number of hate incidents reported.
[KSTP]
"It makes your heart hurt," said Amatya.
More from KSTP.com:
Movement to fight hate crimes against Asian Americans building from community to Congress
Asian Americans see generational split on confronting racism
While more than 60% of the reported incidents were verbal harassment, some attacks targeting Asians around the country have been violent or deadly.
"What motivated me was the attack on the Thai man in San Francisco, where he was pushed and fell down and died. And that was really heartbreaking for me. Mostly because of just the sense of helplessness — that maybe there isn’t a good solution. And nobody has done anything about it," said Jonathan Sry, organizer for Minnesota Asian Safety Squad.
Sry came up with an idea to coordinate volunteers — from all different backgrounds and races — to work as "safety escorts" and also serve on informal neighborhood watch groups.
"The goal is to show up in presence, and so the people don’t necessarily have to be afraid anymore," Sry said.
Anyone can call the hotline at 651-337-9258 or contact the group online if they would feel safer having an escort or if there is an area of concern.
"Let your elders know, let anyone know. If they need assistance, ask. And don’t feel something to be ashamed of. We’re really trying to remove that stigma," Amatya said.