Hundreds of people gathered Friday afternoon in downtown San Francisco to highlight the recent rise in violence against Asian Americans.
Protesters gathered in Union Square, holding signs reading — “racism: the american virus,” “not your model minority” and simply, “stop hurting us.”
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Anna Verzosa is a student at San Jose State and one of the people who organized the demonstration.
“There has always been racism, xenophobia, a rhetoric that excludes Asians,” she told KCBS Radio. “And we’re here today to stand in solidarity to the lives lost and to really speak out. You know, we’re stereotyped for not having a voice and being submissive in society. And we’re trying to say, you know, we do have voices and our needs do matter.”
It was a diverse group of people that marched down Market Street, including a big contingent from the local youth group United Playaz.
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King Jeremiah is a member.
“Love brings change and you see love here today,” he said. “Love.
Look at this. Love. Who’s fighting? Who’s mad? Yeah we’re upset but, we’re going to get our justice. And it’s with all people. And it starts with the Asian community right now.”
Kathy Novak/KCBS Radio
