Screening at New York Law School of “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” Documentary

On February 26, 2025, I attended a screening at New York Law School of Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate, a documentary co-produced by the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), that captures the raw and painful experiences of those directly impacted by anti-Asian violence.

The documentary featured survivors, their families, and community supporters, including Justin Go, father of Michelle Go; Sungkon Lee, father of Christina Yuna Lee; and Jessica Zhao, former Vice President of the Forest Hills Asian Association, who lives in Queens where both Zhiwen Yan and GuiYing Ma were killed. Other featured individuals included Fulton Hou, Jane Kim, Noel Quintana, Patricia Zhang, and Michael Zhu, all of whom were traumatized by anti-Asian hate.

The documentary itself was heavy and haunting. The survivors, family members of those who lost their lives to anti-Asian hate, and dedicated community leaders recounted their experiences with a level of emotion that was both painful and necessary to witness. They were not just statistics or distant headlines—they were real people whose lives had been shattered by senseless violence. The randomness of the assault, the lack of accountability, and the feeling of helplessness resonated with the audience deeply. These anti-Asian hate experiences revealed a horrifying reality: victims of anti-Asian hate crimes are left to navigate their trauma alone, with little support from law enforcement or the legal system.

The wave of anti-Asian attacks has infiltrated every aspect of daily life, striking in places that are meant to be safe and routine. These attacks have occurred on subways, buses, and even in car mechanic shops, spaces we often consider neutral. Delivery workers making their rounds, carrying out everyday tasks like dropping off takeout, have also become targets. Attacks have taken place while simply sweeping a sidewalk near our homes, a place that should symbolize peace and security. Walking down the street or even being followed into one’s home has become an all too familiar fear for many in the community. These are not isolated incidents; this can happen to any of us. Everyone performs these activities, commuting, working, and walking in their neighborhoods, making it clear that no one is immune to the impact of this growing violence. It is an urgent wake-up call that these attacks are not just random outliers; they are attacks on the everyday lives of real people.

An insightful panel discussion followed after the screening, featuring Yang Chen, Executive Director of AABANY, Chris Kwok, Community Activist/JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator, and Anthony K.C. Fong, General Counsel at Victoria’s Transportation Co., Inc. in New York and an alum of New York Law School. Their discussion explored and analyzed hate crimes, bail reform, and the broader systemic issues that continue to fuel anti-Asian hatred and violence.

The panel discussion provided a necessary legal and societal framework for understanding these anti-Asian hate incidents. One of the key topics was bail reform and its unintended consequences. While bail reform aims to prevent economic discrimination against low-income defendants, it has also led to a revolving door system where perpetrators of hate crimes are often released back onto the streets. While reforming the justice system is essential, it may be failing communities of color, including Asian Americans. Yang Chen spoke about the difficulty in prosecuting hate crimes, particularly the high burden of proof required to establish racial motivation. Without clear-cut evidence such as an explicit racial slur or symbol, many violent attacks are not categorized as hate crimes, allowing perpetrators to receive lighter sentences. This legal hurdle is a significant roadblock in addressing anti-Asian violence meaningfully.

The panel highlighted the importance of community engagement in fighting anti-Asian hate. They emphasized that legal advocacy alone isn’t enough; we need education and community solidarity. The Asian American community cannot afford to remain passive. We need to actively participate in conversations about criminal justice reform, public safety and political representation.

The documentary and panel discussion made clear that the struggle against racism and xenophobia is far from over. It is easy to assume that awareness alone will lead to change, but awareness without action is meaningless. Watching Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate was a reminder of why advocacy and vigilance are crucial. The trauma inflicted on our communities does not disappear once the news cycle moves on. Hearing the pain of the survivors and the frustration from legal experts reinforced my belief that real change requires sustained effort.

I left the screening with a mix of anger, sadness, and determination. The documentary and panel reaffirmed that we cannot afford to be complacent. Whether it’s supporting organizations like AABANY, helping survivors navigate the complexities of the legal system, or simply checking in on our elders and neighbors, we all have a role to play.

In dedication to the memory of Michelle Go, Christina Yuna Lee, and all other victims of anti-Asian violence, we must continue to support initiatives such as the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force and their important projects: HEART (Hate Eradication Active Response Team) supporting victims of anti-Asian hate crimes, court watching, Anti-Asian hate crimes data collection, and the Rising Tide and Endless Tide reports examining anti-Asian hate and violence. We must also engage in ongoing community outreach and advocacy. The fight against anti-Asian hate is not just about reacting to tragedy; it’s about building a future where our communities no longer have to live in fear. The questions we need to ask ourselves now are: What are we going to do about it? How do we make sure that the level of hate and violence experienced by the AAPI community in the last few years does not happen again and does not afflict other vulnerable populations?

AABANY Congratulates Jennifer Wu on Receiving the NAPABA Pro Bono Service Award

AABANY congratulates Jennifer Wu, co-chair of AABANY’s Women’s Committee and Founding Partner at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, as a recipient of  NAPABA’s Pro Bono Service Award. This recognition is well-deserved, acknowledging Jennifer’s exceptional commitment to Pro Bono service and unwavering dedication to advancing civil rights, aligning with NAPABA’s mission to promote justice, equity, and opportunity for Asian American Pacific Islanders. Jennifer’s exemplary legal and advocacy work also exemplifies the values and aspirations of the Asian American Bar Association of New York, making her an inspiring role model for the legal community at large. This award will be presented during the Gala on Saturday evening, November 11, at the NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis.

When asked what she felt when she first learned that she was getting this award, Jennifer recounts her initial feelings of overwhelming appreciation and gratitude for the NAPABA community. “To me, Pro Bono work has always been driven by a sense of purpose, with no expectation of accolades or recognition. Receiving the NABABA Pro Bono Service Award is like the cherry on top. It’s truly gratifying to receive recognition, particularly when you’re dedicated to serving a community that often goes unnoticed,” remarked Jennifer. 

Jennifer’s Pro Bono career has been as exceptional as it has been unconventional. Her Pro Bono work differs significantly from what is traditionally associated with legal Pro Bono services. While many high-profile cases commonly involve courtroom appearances and legal battles, Jennifer’s approach is distinct. She provides legal guidance and support, helping victims and their families navigate issues that are more practical in nature. “While this type of work may not conform to what is conventionally recognized by the legal community,” Jennifer stated, “I am deeply honored by NAPABA’s acknowledgment.”

Jennifer demonstrates her exemplary dedication to the community through her active involvement in a wide array of groundbreaking initiatives and Pro Bono cases. Through her legal work, Jennifer has taken on the crucial role of representing victims of Anti-Asian violence, advocating for justice, and providing essential support to their families. Jennifer’s Pro Bono services have been extraordinary— she has taken on the representation of nearly every individual who has lost their life to anti-Asian violence in the past two years in New York City. 

Notably, Jennifer Wu played a pivotal role in seeking justice for GuiYing Ma and her family, and raising awareness about the tragic incident. In March 2022, Jennifer orchestrated a press conference for GuiYing Ma’s family, and its subsequent national coverage in the New York Times granted them a vital platform to voice their story and demand justice. Then, in April of that same year, Jennifer worked closely with GuiYing’s family to craft an in-depth feature about her life, further shedding light on the incident’s impact. Currently, Jennifer is working with the Queens family attacked in a car and families of the Allen, Texas mall shooting, both of which are suspected to be hate crimes. 

Growing up in an immigrant family in New Jersey, Jennifer recounted how her upbringing has affected her outlook on the importance of Pro Bono service and civil rights advocacy. As the first lawyer in her family, it struck her that Pro Bono services were not available for those that needed them. “I noticed that organizations out there simply don’t solve the problems that my immigrant family faces,” observed Jennifer. Asian immigrants, in particular, face a host of unique challenges in gaining access to legal services. “Many immigrants find themselves in a challenging middle ground—they’re not considered poor enough to qualify for legal aid, but they also lack the financial means to afford a top-tier lawyer who can represent them effectively,” Jennifer stated.

This phenomenon highlights the pressing need for legal services that bridge the gap for immigrant communities, making it clear that there is a substantial segment of the population that falls into this underserved category. Armed with her personal experiences and profound understanding of the immigrant experience, Jennifer hopes to dedicate her legal career to addressing this gap in service, reshaping the legal landscape to better serve the needs of all members of society.

Furthermore, “the immigrant community is not assimilated enough [to know about] government services [and]  to trust the people that are there to help them. They don’t trust the police, they don’t trust the district attorney— they don’t even trust the hospitals treating them,” observed Jennifer. “When they don’t trust those institutions, their reaction is to withdraw, and not engage. This is okay, except when someone’s been really hurt. All of the sudden, they’re faced with these legal institutions that for their entire life, they’ve tried to avoid.”

Against this backdrop of general distrust of existing institutions, Jennifer views her Asian identity as a unifying force, a connection that can help close the gap between immigrant communities and the often intimidating legal system. Her immigrant background thus becomes a point of connection and relatability, enabling her to break down barriers and establish trust with individuals who may have been apprehensive about seeking help. Her commitment to building these crucial bridges not only helps immigrant families find the justice and support they need but also serves as a powerful testament to the impact of diversity and cultural understanding that facilitates the efficacy of her Pro Bono advocacy.

Aside from her illustrious Pro Bono career, Jennifer is actively involved in AABANY as a co-chair of AABANY’s Women’s Committee. When asked about her experience in the committee, Jennifer’s face lit up with a smile, and she warmly reflected on her involvement. “Though I’ve engaged in mentorship experiences in the past, they often felt awkward because they didn’t naturally evolve,” Jennifer declared, in an animated tone. “What makes the Women’s Committee so exceptional is that it provides an organic opportunity to connect and engage with a diverse and accomplished group of female Asian lawyers.” Her warmth and enthusiasm in discussing her role in the Committee demonstrates her dedication to empowering the next generation of legal professionals. To learn more about AABANY’s Women’s Committee, please click here.

Furthermore, Jennifer has been a prominent member of AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, contributing to AABANY’s two reports on Anti-Asian hate in NYC during the COVID era: A Rising Tide of Hate and Violence against Asian Americans in New York During COVID-19 and Endless Tide: The Continuing Struggle to Overcome Anti-Asian Hate in New York. 

To announce the release of the Endless Tide report, Jennifer delivered remarks at a press conference held on May 31 at the offices of Paul, Weiss in midtown Manhattan. During this event, Eva Zhao, the widow of Zhiwen Yan, the delivery worker who tragically lost his life in Forest Hills, spoke about her hardships and struggles in the wake of her husband’s murder. Significantly, the very next day, the perpetrator responsible for Zhiwen Yan’s tragic death was arrested, marking a significant breakthrough in a case Jennifer had worked diligently on. Jennifer’s relentless efforts and dedication in the Zhiwen Yan case played a pivotal role in bringing closure to the grieving family and securing justice for the victim. To read more about Jennifer’s involvement in this case, and her approach to anti-Asian violence casework, click here.

Please join AABANY in congratulating Jennifer on receiving the NAPABA Pro Bono Service Award, In the legal world and beyond, Jennifer Wu’s work serves as an embodiment of the power of empathy, cultural understanding, and unwavering dedication to justice.