After the murders of six Asian women at a spa in Atlanta, WCCO Radio host Sheletta Brundidge wanted to create a safe space for people in the Asian community to share their stories about the rise in hate crimes directed at them while letting other Minnesotans hear first-hand about the fear they experience.
She invited Minnesota State Rep. Kaohly Vang Her, Executive Director of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans Sia Her and Joie Chen from the Poynter Institute to join her for an hour-long broadcast. The conversation focused on how all Minnesotans can become better allies to our Asian neighbors and can step up to stop Asian hate crimes from happening.
The wide-ranging discussions tackle everything from gender bias, stereotypes and the changes experienced in the past year as the coronavirus spread. The guests also shared their personal stories and fears for their safety and that of their families and community members.
This courageous conversation is troubling and sometimes shocking.
The goal of the broadcast is to speak truths that have gone unheard in the past and to let listeners hear first-hand about the struggles that Minnesota's Asian citizens are facing with the current rise in hate crimes.
The discussion spells out and how everyone, not just members of the Asian community or law enforcement, can do their part to create a safe and welcoming society.
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is tracking hate crimes.
If you are a victim or see someone being victimized, there is a toll-free number to call, it's 833-454-0148.