Hundreds Gather In Chinatown, Koreatown Rally To Stop Asian Hate
CHINATOWN (CBSLA) - In Chinatown Saturday evening, a crowd gathered seeking light out of darkness just days after a mass shooting in Atlanta that left eight people dead, including six Asian women. In Los Angeles, grief is evolving.
"The fear is still there but now that I know there are allies and there are bystanders I feel encouraged," said Becki Pang of Alhambra.
Supporters said these rallies are a recommitment to one another.
"I think it's important for us to hope that we can change for our future," said Chloe Nimpoeno of San Gabriel.
Earlier in the day, demands to fight hate crimes against Asians and Asian-Americans took over the streets in Los Angeles' Koreatown neighborhood.
Hundreds marched nearly a mile down Olympic Boulevard for a large rally. People carried signs, standing up against acts of discrimination.
LA City Council and congressional leaders spoke at the event, saying hate has no place in the county: A collective call for action, which comes with a common thread of fear and shame.
"I wasn't proud of being Korean for a really long time," said Elizabeth Hwang, a Koreatown resident. "I suppressed my own culture to fit in and not be judged."
Many say a united community will only come if people put in the work, including speaking out when they see forms of racism.
"Take the time to learn about the history, to learn about the culture, to open up your heart, and be mindful of what everybody is going through," said Brandon Sok, an LA resident.