Brookline Students Plan Vigil To Support Asian Community

BROOKLINE, MA — Community members are set to light candles Friday evening on the steps of the Brookline High School in an effort to support the Brookline Asian Community.

The vigil comes not only a week after six Asian women were fatally shot in Georgia, but in the wake of the release of analysis out of crime statistics in America's largest cities that point to a nearly 150 percent increase in reported Anti-Asian hate crime incidents.

Boston reported 170 hate crimes in 2019, in 2020 those actually went down to 146. However, the number of reports of hate crime incidents classified as anti-Asian jumped from just six to 14 reported incidents, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, CSUSB.

In Brookline, by comparison, of the six hate crimes reported in town in 2020, none were directed specifically at Asians. Two of the hate crimes were categorized as anti-Black, one as white supremacy, one as anti-Jewish, one as anti-transgender and one as anti-Russian, according to police data obtained by Patch.

But that doesn't mean the sentiment of the past year hasn't touched the lives of Asian-Americans living in Brookline.

"After the shooting last week I thought one of those dead could have been my mom, family member, or me," said Susan Park, a Town Meeting member. "And that was disturbing."

Park along with fellow Town Meeting member Regina Frawley created a statement of solidarity asking residents to denouncing anti-Asian hate. More than 250 people have signed on.

The vigil and speakers will be streamed live on the Brookline High School Asian Pacific Club's Instagram account at 4 p.m. March 26.

To report hate crimes or incidents in Brookline:

• Call 617-730-2222
• Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations ...
• And go to this website: Stopaapihate.org

Following Atlanta shootings, Head of Brookline High School Anthony Meyer also called for a gathering in front of the school on March 18.

"I am proud of our Asian and Pacific American Club student leaders, their advisors, and others who have helped organize Friday's vigil," Meyer said. "It is an important opportunity for our students, staff, families, and community members to gather and stand in solidarity with our AAPI community and stand against harassment, discrimination, and violence."

Meyer added he expected it would also be an opportunity for him to hear what students need from as a school leader and from the school more broadly.

Related: Brookline Leaders Sign Statement Denouncing Atlanta Murders, Hate