TODAY (March 27): Solidarity Rally And March Against White Supremacy In Raleigh

Raleigh, NC – NC Solidarity Action (NCSA) is inviting all people of conscience to join a rally and march in solidarity with Asian Americans and against white supremacy. Not Your Model Minority: Forward in Solidarity against White Supremacy will include artists, activists, and community members speaking out against white supremacy in solidarity on Saturday, March 27th from 3 pm – 6 pm in Moore Square in Downtown Raleigh. 

NCSA will recognize and mourn the murder and attack of the eight victims in Atlanta and Acworth, Georgia on March 16th, 2021, of whom six were Asian women. Their names include Hyeon Jeong Grant (Kim), Sun Cha Kim, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Yong Ae Yue, and surviving Elcias Hernandez Ortiz. Out of respect for the wishes of two other victims’ families, those names are not being shared at this time. 

Unfortunately, this is but one of the most recent racially motivated attacks on Asian Americans in the past year. The shooter is not solely responsible for the violence, though his actions are thoroughly condemned. To blame is also the previous presidential administration and Donald Trump, who was entrenched in false claims that COVID-19 was a “China” or “Chinese virus.” NCSA calls out any others who actively encouraged Trump’s racist behaviors as well as stood by quietly and did not intervene.

This is also one of many incidents of racist violence facing all communities of color, including, but not limited to, attacks on Black lives, the continued occupation of Native land, the Muslim Ban, the deportation and incarceration of Latinx immigrants, and the deportation of 33 Vietnamese people, including refugees, Hieu Huynh and Tien Pham, both of whom arrived in prior to 1995.

Histories of violence against Asian immigrant women date back to the Page Act of 1875, prohibiting the entry of East Asians, but especially Chinese women, citing concerns of immorality related to sex work. This act predates the more well-known Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and demonstrates the historical persecution of Asians, immigrants, sex workers, and women. Moreover, anti-Asian American domination is tied to long-standing U.S. wars, occupations, and sanctions in countries abroad.

NCSA said via a press release, “The term ‘model minority myth’ refers to the false perception of Asian immigrants’ exceptionalism and success in assimilation to “American life.” The model minority myth sounds positive, yet maintains that we are perpetual foreigners in our “assimilation.” It flattens our experiences and ignores the oppressive and challenging realities facing many Asian American communities.”

The ‘model minority’ myth is also used to sow division among communities that are facing similar attacks. As Asian Americans fighting for racial, economic, and social justice for our communities, we stand in solidarity with all communities fighting racism and white supremacy. We believe that Black Lives Matter, that the unjust deportations and terrorizing of Latinx and all migrants must end, that all workers deserve a living wage and a union, that all people deserve quality housing, healthcare, and education. Ultimately, if one of us is not free, we are not free.

We reject the calls for more policing and prisons as solutions to the crisis of racism and white supremacy. Increased funding for these archaic systems will only further traumatize our communities. As each other’s neighbors, friends, family, and community,  we are the ones to keep each other safe. We prioritize funding for our livelihood over funding for cops.

We will not forget the tragedy that took place on March 16 and as a community, we will keep fighting for justice for these families and for all of our people who are under attack from white supremacy.”

To get involved, please contact one of the partnering groups and donate directly to the victims’ families to support them during this time: Hyeon Jeong Grant (Kim), Sun Cha Kim, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Yong Ae Yue, and Elcias Hernandez.

For more resources, please visit linktr.ee/NCsolidarityaction.

This event is organized by a broad coalition of multiracial and multiethnic communities and community organizations in the Triangle area. They are united across identity, issues, and geographies in the fight against white supremacy. To see a list of endorsing organizations, please see: bit.ly/ncsolidarityaction