On Saturday, March 27, community members gathered at the Colorado State Capitol for the Stop AAPI Hate rally. Denver supporters grieved the loss of innocent lives across the US and in Atlanta, while also coming together to show their collective power and voice.They showed up in force, carrying placards and posters reading “Stop Asian Hate” and “Hate is a Virus,” as did supporters at rally events in San Francisco, Chicago, and Fort Lee, NJ.
Organized by CORE (Community Organizing for Radical Empathy), Asian Pacific Development Center, Sakura Foundation, Asian Avenue Magazine, Amplify the Voice, Parasol Patrol, and Denver Asian Collective, the goal of the event was to provide space for the community to unite and speak up against systemic racism and for attendees to leave inspired, connected, and catalyzed to take tangible steps for change.
With a diverse representation of speakers and performers, the oldest speaker was 80 years old and the youngest was 11. Allies spoke about the importance of solidarity and shared experiences of oppression. AAPI speakers stated that “we belong” and it is time to reconsider what we know about Asianness. They also spoke about self-care, provided a prayer, and sang about healing. The event concluded with a taiko drum and breakdance performance.
“Looking back at the event, what we’ve created together, I think to myself, wow, our community is powerful,” said Joie Ha, co-founder of CORE.
To watch the recording of the event, go to: fb.com/coredei.