Brisbane To Host Vigil In Solidarity Against Anti-Asian Hate

BRISBANE, CA — Brisbane community members are hosting an event to stand in solidarity with Asian Americans in the wake of the recent increase in hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

The vigil, scheduled for Mar. 20, will take place in Brisbane’s Community Park and will include remarks from Mayor Karen Cunningham and San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David Canepa.

According to a news release, Brisbane resident Kalvin Lee’s outreach to city council in early February resulted in officials working to organize an event.

“Hearing about these crimes I can't help but to think, this could be our grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters being attacked,” Lee wrote. “The unprovoked targeted attacks against Asians is not okay; our community is being attacked, and we need to be heard.”

City Manager Clay Holstine added that he wanted AAPI citizens of Brisbane to feel welcomed, respected and valued.

“In San Mateo County, we stand united against hate,” Holstine said. “Unprovoked attacks against our neighbors for simply being Asian cannot and will not be tolerated.”

Asian Americans make up nearly 30 percent of Brisbane, according to a news release. Last month, a middle schooler organized a rally in San Mateo standing up to anti-Asian hate.

There has been a rise in anti-Asian rhetoric since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, but several documented attacks against Asian elders in the Bay Area in recent weeks have raised alarm.

The Stop AAPI Hate organization reported over 2,800 incidents of anti-Asian hate in the country since the pandemic began, with over half occurring in California. In the Bay Area, elderly Asians account for over 8 percent of the victims.

"These recent incidents are stark reminders that urgent action must be taken to protect our AAPI community from hate, discrimination and violence," the organization's co-founders said in a news release last month. "It is up to all of us — businesses, the government, and community partners — to come together and immediately support victims and families affected by these incidents, and work together to create long-lasting solutions that empower our communities with resources, support and education."

The event in Brisbane will begin at 4 p.m. at Brisbane Community Park located at 11 Old County Road. Attendees are requested to bring signs. Social distancing and masks are required.

Click here for more information about the vigil and here for the news release.