CARE is committed to addressing racial equity issues in the Town of Stratford and beyond. Anti-Asian violence and harassment have been on the rise throughout the pandemic. These attacks against Asian-Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders are in direct opposition to our core values. We mourn the loss of Delaina Ashley Yaun Gonzalez, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Soon Chung Park and Yong Ae Yue, who were recently murdered in Atlanta.
The misinformation about the spread and origin of diseases as a motivation for hatred of people of color is well established in history. As such, we have witnessed an increase of anti-Asian hatred and violence based on the xenophobic assumptions that wrongfully associate the causes of COVID-19 to these communities.
Words of support, healing, and prayer are not enough. Anti-Asian bigotry—and all other forms of racism—are destructive to our shared humanity and must be actively opposed at every level. We must be a model of what we want our community to be. Repairing these deep divisions will require ongoing connection, learning and intentional actions if we are to advance and unite as a community of reason and justice for all.
We call on our community to join with CARE to stand against the increasing violence and hatred of Asian-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders and commit to ensuring their safety and protection.
Very Truly
Tammy Langston
CARE Chair