Hillsboro Council Stands In Solidarity With Asian And Pacific Islander Communities

Press release from the City of Hillsboro:

March 23, 2021

It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, Daoyou Feng, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, and Delaina Ashley Yaun – all killed in senseless acts of violence in the Atlanta area this month.

What occurred was not an isolated event. Hate and bias incidents and crimes against Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have sharply increased in the last year. There is a pattern of racism and discrimination which must be recognized and named – the United States has a long history of anti-Asian racism which is rooted in white supremacy. These systems of oppression impact every person. They impact every community, city, and town across our nation. The violent acts that occurred in the Atlanta-area are deeply felt by our AAPI neighbors here in Hillsboro.

We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and we firmly stand in solidarity with AAPI communities here and across the nation. Violence, racism, gender-based violence, xenophobia, and other forms of oppression must stop. We are committed to building a safe and inclusive community where everyone feels welcome.

Mayor Steve Callaway, Council President Kyle Allen, Councilor Olivia Alcaire, Councilor Anthony Martin, Councilor Beach Pace, Councilor Gina Roletto, Councilor Rick Van Beveren

Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes in Oregon

Increase in reports of bias incidents and hate crimes targeting AAPI community members in Oregon: The monthly average number of hate and bias reports has increased from 6.8 reports per month in 2020 to 15.5 reports per month so far in 2021. There were 22 reports in February 2021 alone – and 12 reports in the first half of March, which are not counted in the average because the month is not complete – of harassment, vandalism, assault, and other incidents.

Source: Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, Oregon Department of Justice

AAPI Community Resources

Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO): The leading Asian and Pacific Islander grassroots advocacy organization in Oregon with information and resources.

Statewide Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents Response Hotline: A confidential hotline to document bias and support people who experience hate or bias in Oregon.

• 1-844-924-BIAS (2427), 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST), Monday through Friday, after-hours voicemail available
• 24/7 online reporting process
• Data dashboard for reports to the hotline

Hollaback: Bystander intervention techniques to stop anti-Asian/American and xenophobic harassment

Stop AAPI Hate: Tracks, reports, and responds to incidents throughout the United States.

Asian Mental Health Collective: A nonprofit providing mental health resources and support.

Portland Racial Equity Lines for Life: The Racial Equity Support Line led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism, offering support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

More Information

Pronunciation Guide for Asian Victims of Atlanta Shootings

Source: The Asian American Journalists Association

Together, We Can Stop COVID-19 Discrimination

In May 2020, Hillsboro City Council shared a letter urging the community to act together against hatred and bias related to COVID-19.

Read the Stop Coronavirus Discrimination letter in English and several other languages spoken in our community.

This press release was produced by the City of Hillsboro. The views expressed here are the author’s own.