Tonight at City Council, I shared the following thoughts regarding recent attacks on and intimidation of our Asian American community. We stand in solidarity with our Asian American community in the wake of a tumultuous year of anti-Asian sentiment and hate crimes.
The killings in Atlanta earlier this month are just one tragic example of a national rise in racist attacks and rhetoric. During the past year, Asians and those of Asian descent have been the victims of increased racism and xenophobia.
As students of history, we are aware of the tragic weight of anti-Asian sentiment, and the ways in which it has traumatized families and communities throughout our history. Additionally, we have witnessed the proliferation of xenophobic sentiments by including references to the COVID-19 pandemic by the geographic location of its origin in a way that is disparaging and harassing. Such statements have stoked unfounded fears and perpetuated stigma about Asian Americans and have contributed to increasing rates of bullying, harassment, and hate crimes against AAPI persons. When we as a community witness bias, harassment, racism, violence, or threats of violence towards our most vulnerable we cannot stand by in silence.
The City of Bexley is committed to social justice. We urge all citizens to uphold the human rights of all people and to call out injustice. We recognize the implicit and explicit role that we as a community have played throughout our history in marginalizing some of our most vulnerable populations, and we reaffirm our commitment to a Bexley community where all are included, feel safe, and are fully valued.
To find educational resources and ways you can take action in solidarity, please click here.
– Mayor Ben Kessler
To view City Council’s statement of support, please click here.
