Los Angeles Rallies Against Anti-Asian Hate
Photojournal by Brian Feinzimer
On Saturday, March 13, a variety of Los Angeles grassroots organizations representing Asian American and Pacific Islander communities came together in Little Tokyo in response to the recent increase in violence against Asian Americans. The uptick in attacks has been linked to the coronavirus and driven by rhetoric from Donald Trump.
As stated by organizers, the purpose of the rally, titled “Love Our Communities: Build Collective Power,” was to create a grounding and healing space for the communities involved. About a dozen leaders, community members and musicians spoke and performed, sharing personal stories and working to uplift the community at large. An altar dedicated to victims of violence and a wall of solidarity where messages could be posted were set up. Community organizing took place in the form of volunteer sign-ups for direct work being organized and helmed by various Asian American organizations in their communities.
Organizers Diana Barbadillo, Akemi Look and Lacy Nguyen Wright partnered with community groups Chinatown Community for Equitable Development, Ktown4BlackLives, Nikkei Progressives, Tuesday Night Project, Sunday Jump, Kabataang maka-Bayan/ProPeople Youth, Progressive Asian Network for Action, Palms Up Academy, API Equality-LA and J-Town Action and Solidarity to help bring together a wide variety of participants. The Japanese American National Museum hosted the event.
A woman participating at the “Love Our Communities” rally against anti-Asian hate holds a sign that reads, “Do You See Our Pain.”
A woman lights incense at an altar set up in memory of victims of violence.
A young girl holds flowers while listening to a speaker at the rally at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.
Tanny Jiraprapasuke describes being verbally attacked while riding public transit at the “Love Our Communities” rally.
Toy designer Linda Jiang poses for a photo while holding dolls she made for the Creatable World line of gender inclusive toys. The dolls have signs saying “We Did Not Come To Play” and “#LoveOurCommunities.”
Becki Px holds a sign that reads, “Kintsugi Stronger Than Before” at the “Love Our Communities” rally.
A group of participants pose for a photo.
An aerial view of the physically distanced participants at the rally against anti-Asian hate in Little Tokyo.
Rally participants post messages on a wall of solidarity.
A rally participant holds a yellow rose against a sweater of red roses while listening to a speaker.
A rallygoer emotionally embraces another participant while listening to a speaker.
Rallygoers show signs in solidarity at the “Love Our Communities” event.
A woman participating at the “Love Our Communities” rally against anti-Asian hate holds a sign that reads, “Do You See Our Pain.”
All Photographs by Brian Feinzimer
Copyright Capital & Main 2021