A group that’s brought inspired a Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism in New Westminster has been recognized by the provincial government.
The Stand With Asians Coalition is the recipient of the 2022 BC Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Award in the Intercultural Trust category. Premier John Horgan and Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives Rachna Singh presented the award during a ceremony virtual ceremony on March 21.
New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian and Burnaby city councillor James Wang nominated the Stand With Asians Coalition for the award.
“Stand With Asians Coalition movement started just a year ago, in April 2021, around my kitchen table after I read that hate crime in Burnaby had increased by 350% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Doris Mah, co-founder of SWAC, in a news release. “Vancouver saw a 700% increase. A few of us came together quickly to form this coalition because we felt that something had to be done to tackle racism and discrimination.”
While the coalition was initially centered around a Facebook group that attracted more than 2,500 members, it has since become a registered non-profit society. It’s aiming to unite municipalities across the country in acknowledging the impact of anti-Asian racism as a first step towards developing more effective policy initiatives and systemic change to protect all Canadians.
“Many hours went into uniting cities across the country to proclaim May 10, 2021, as the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism to highlight the urgent need to develop more effective policy initiatives and encourage systemic change to protect all Canadians,” Mah said. “I would like to thank many grassroots activists across Canada who worked tirelessly to obtain these proclamations from their cities. … This year, we are again calling on all Canadians to join our fight against all forms of racism, hate and discrimination so that we can build a stronger, more inclusive society where everyone can feel safe, happy and healthy.”
The Stand With Asians Coalition is working to have municipalities across Canada declare May 10, 2022 as Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism.
Last year, the coalition organized a May 10 rally in Hyack Square in support of the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism.
Julian, who was among a small contingent attending the New West rally, said it’s critical that people not be subjected to racist attacks.
“We need to make sure that every Canadian can feel safe and welcome, not only in their community but right across the country,” he told the Record at the rally. “This is why it’s time to take action.”
In 2021, the City of New Westminster declared May 10 as a Day of Action Against Asian Racism.
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