克利夫兰及周边地区消息

Be Heard - Rising Against Asian Hate

By Wayne Wong

OCA Greater Cleveland presented an advanced film screening of a PBS documentary set to air nationally on PBS on October 17. The film: Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March was shown on Sat. October 8 at Li Wah Restaurant and was attended by about 20 engaged advocates. Joining OCAGC were AsiaTown CLE and ASIA Inc as community partners for the screening.    The documentary co-produced by CAAM chronicles how the Asian American community came together to fight back against hate. It focuses on the murders in Atlanta Georgia at three Asian owned spas where eight victims, six of whom were Asian American women, were gunned down. This, in the middle of the COVID pandemic where there was an alarming increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans.    The film depicts the aftermath and the importance of building political power and how that is tied to stopping Asian hate. The documentary features narration by Emmy-nominated actress Sandra Oh and original music by Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician Jon Batiste. OCAGC along with other OCA chapters across the nation are screening the film to promote voter registration and voter engagement - to ensure the needs and voices of Asian Americans are considered in the upcoming elections. The deadline to register to vote in Ohio is October 11 (OCA and ASIA was available to register/update voter registrations at the screening).    After the film, the attendees shared thoughts on the film, the impact of anti-Asian hate, and the importance of community and voting. A few take-aways:    Similar to the gatherings related to anti-Asian Hate depicted in the film, the Cleveland AsianTown community also came together last March with over 1,000 marchers that came together in solidarity (photos).    The violent events shown in the film sparked shock and sadness as such events could, and does, happen to those we know. The need for further cross-cultural, cross-ethnic collaboration was highlighted.    Visit OCAGC.org for more information on becoming a member, volunteer, and our other programs of advocacy, civic engagement, and cultural outreach. #RisingAgainstAsianHate #StopAsianHate #StopAAPIHate Photo Credits – Wayne Wong, Lisa Wong, and OCAGC