Above: Area members of the AAPI community were joined by non-Asian neighbors to call for an end to Anti-Asian racism. (photo left by Beth Melo, right contributed)
This weekend, a large number of Southborough residents and members of nearby communities turned out for two rallies “Against Anti-Asian Hate Crimes and Racism”. The events were held in downtown Southborough on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from about 2:15 – 4:00 pm.
According to Southborough’s Xujing Ding, residents Yan Bai, Li Xie, and Jane Cui were among those who organized the effort. Other community Facebook groups shared information and turned out in support.
Participants lined the streets around the intersection of Routes 85 and 30, many holding sign opposing racism/hate or showing support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Organizers with megaphones led the crowd in calls to “Stop Asian Hate”. Popular chants included “Asian is not a Virus! Hate is a Virus!” As drivers passed through the intersection, many honked and waved to show their support.
I wasn’t able to attend Saturday’s event but was told that about 200 people showed up, including residents from Northborough and Westborough. At the beginning of the event a junior from Algonquin and Southborough’s Cyan Zhang spoke. Dr. Safdar Medina also spoke to represent Southborough’s Neighbors for Peace. Xie and Bai led Saturday’s chants. Below are contributed photos from that afternoon:
On Sunday, it was another large turnout. Midway into the event, there was a brief break from chanting as Dr. Medina spoke again and introduced State Representative Carolyn Dykema. Below are my photos from the afternoon. That event drew members of the Asian community as far as Quincy and Rhode Island who helped to lead chants. Below are some of my photos:
Awesome event! Thanks for showing up!