Tag: HEART

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Observing Justice: AABANY and KALAGNY Organize Court-Watching for the Sentencing of Christina Yuna Lee’s Killer

“An attack against one Asian-American is an attack against all of us” – Gene Kang, Immediate Past President of Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and the Korean American Lawyers Association of New York (KALAGNY) organized and led a court-watching event at the New York Supreme Court. The event was held to support Christina’s family at the sentencing of Assamad Nash, who pleaded guilty to one count each of Murder in the Second Degree and Burglary in the First Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony. Nash was sentenced by Hon. Laura A. Ward to 30 years to life in prison for the brutal murder of Christina Yuna Lee.

Sungkon Lee, Christina Yuna Lee’s Father

Christina Yuna Lee’s life was tragically cut short on February 13, 2022, when Nash broke into her apartment and stabbed her more than 40 times. On June 18, 2024, Nash pleaded guilty. His sentencing on July 30, over two years since the tragedy, marks a step toward justice for her family.

On the morning of the sentencing at approximately 9:30 AM, a crowd gathered in the hallway outside the courtroom, unified in purpose and voice. Among them were members of the Asian American community, standing in solidarity to seek justice for Christina Yuna Lee. Organizations such as Stand with Asian Americans, the Korean American Family Service Center, and the Committee of 100 were among the many groups present. Reporters and journalists waited outside the courtroom for the arrival of Lee’s father, Sungkon Lee, and her aunt, Boksun Lee, who were accompanied by their attorney, Charles Yoon, and friends.

Inside the courtroom, the audience awaited the arrival of Assamad Nash. When he was brought in, Ms. Lee shed a few tears upon seeing the man who had murdered her niece. Christina’s father, Sungkon Lee, and her aunt, Boksun Lee, took the stand first with their victim impact statements. 

Sungkon Lee’s voice trembled with emotion as he spoke about his daughter’s vibrant spirit and the immense void her death had left in their lives. He painted a picture of a loving daughter whose dreams and potential were cruelly cut short, urging the court to impose the maximum sentence for the senseless act. 

Boksun Lee spoke in Korean, with her words translated for the court. Her speech was a heartfelt plea for justice, highlighting the deep familial bonds they shared and how Christina was like a daughter to her. She explained that Christina’s mother was unable to attend because it was too difficult for her to face her daughter’s murderer. Boksun shared that Christina’s mother still struggles to eat, demonstrating that even after two years, they continue to contend with the ​​trauma and pain. 

The bravery of the father and aunt in standing before the judge, sharing their thoughts, and facing Mr. Nash left the audience saddened and teary-eyed listening to the emotional details they recounted.

After their statements, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Dafna Yorna addressed the Court to read an excerpt from a letter jointly submitted by the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) and the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY). She read out this part of the letter:

Ms. Lee’s violent death deeply shocked New York City’s AAPI community, which has been suffering from numerous attacks, especially since the pandemic. A sentence of 30 years to life is just and commensurate with the brutal and senseless nature of Defendant’s crime, which caused Ms. Lee to suffer while he attempted to sexually assault her and repeatedly stabbed her with a kitchen knife until she died. Additionally, the sentence is necessary to send a message that leniency will not be shown to perpetrators of these types of violent crimes against Asian Americans, which would help deter this type of conduct in the future. Sentencing the Defendant to 30 years to life would not only ensure that he remains off the streets of our city, where many Asian Americans in recent years often fear for their safety, but it would also help the healing process for Ms. Lee’s family as well as the AAPI community, which is still struggling to recover from the surge in hate crimes in New York.

Justice Ward then directed her attention to Mr. Lee and addressed the courtroom, stating, “No parent should have to bury their child.” The courtroom was silent, as everyone collectively reflected on the senselessness of the crime and the profound impact it had on the family and the community. When asked if he had any final words, Mr. Nash remained silent.

Following the sentencing, a press conference was held at Collect Pond Park, across the street from the courthouse, led by Charles Yoon, attorney for the Lee family. Sungkon Lee addressed the crowd, focusing on two systemic issues that contributed to the tragedy: New York State bail reform and inadequate police response. Mr. Lee highlighted how New York State’s bail reform laws allowed Nash to be free at the time of the murder. He argued that these laws failed to protect innocent citizens and demanded accountability from elected officials and law enforcement. Prior to the murder, Nash had been charged with the illegal sale of a subway fare, escaping from the police after being caught damaging MetroCard machines, and punching a commuter in the face. During his arraignment for those charges, Nash was freed without having to post bail. Mr. Lee also criticized the police response, which took over an hour and twenty minutes to enter the apartment, even though they had arrived on the scene within a few minutes. The family announced their lawsuit against the city and urged the Mayor to name a homeless shelter in Christina’s honor as a preventative measure and a tribute to her memory. Lee’s words were a powerful call for reform and accountability, highlighting the need for systemic change to prevent similar tragedies.

Several community leaders spoke at the press conference, expressing their support for the Lee family and their commitment to advocating for justice.

Kwang Suk Kim, president of the Korean American Association of Greater New York (KAAGNY)

Kwang Suk Kim, president of the Korean American Association of Greater New York (KAAGNY), delivered a brief yet impactful message. He emphasized the importance of commemorating Christina’s life through public facilities, ensuring her legacy would serve as a reminder of the community’s strength and resilience. He pledged KAAGNY’s support for initiatives that would honor Christina’s memory and promote community safety.

Elaine Chiu, Professor of Law at St. John’s University and past Chair of AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force

Elaine Chiu, a Professor of Law at St. John’s University and past Chair of AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, spoke next, on behalf of AABANY. She highlighted the significance of Christina’s murder as a focal point in the ongoing crisis of anti-Asian hate and violence. “Even though this case was not charged as a hate crime, the truth was that yet another Asian New Yorker died a gruesome and violent death, one that she had done nothing to provoke, nothing at all,” she stated. Chiu added, “Many of our friends and family, our elderly relatives, our neighbors were afraid, deeply afraid, and for more than a year, many of us had stopped going out, stopped going out at night, stopped taking the subways and other public transportation, stopped speaking their first languages out in public, and making eye contact with strangers, out of fear.” Chiu emphasized that the community must remain vigilant, participate actively, and speak out and stand up for justice. She highlighted the importance of using the rule of law to combat hate crimes and ensure justice for victims. Chiu also cited AABANY’s court-watching initiative as a way to support victims and their families by bearing witness in the courtroom and demanding accountability.

Lawrence Han, president of KALAGNY

Following Chiu’s address, Lawrence Han, president of KALAGNY, offered prayers and thoughts to Christina Yuna Lee’s friends and family, stating that the sentencing, though a small measure of justice, served as a stark reminder of the commitment to stand against hate and advocate for safety. He urged the community to work together to overcome hate and violence, emphasizing the need for solidarity and vigilance.

Gene Kang, the immediate past president of KALAGNY

Lastly, Gene Kang, the immediate past president of KALAGNY, delivered remarks emphasizing the importance of sending a strong message that violence against the Asian community will not be tolerated. He called on prosecutors, including Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s office, and law enforcement to “remain vigilant and zealously prosecute crimes against Asian Americans.” Kang also urged elected officials to reconsider plans for additional homeless shelters in predominantly Asian areas to prevent similar tragedies. He concluded his remarks by stating, “An attack against one Asian American is an attack against all of us.”

The court-watching event also prompted personal reflections from attendees who were moved by the proceedings and the sense of community solidarity. Emily Kam, an AABANY intern, shared her thoughts: “I felt sick, without direction or purpose. It seemed as though we would never be able to fully prevent sick acts such as these from happening. But I found comfort in Mr. Lee’s words as he spoke at the press conference. To preserve her memory, Mr. Lee discussed his wishes to establish a homeless shelter in Christina Yuna Lee’s name. A spur of hope persevered within me, despite the circumstances. To watch how strong this family was in the face of such adversity, to watch how they were already thinking of the future and its promises was inspiring to watch.”

Rita Zheng, another attendee and AABANY intern, echoed a similar sentiment. She shared: “Although I could not see [the face of Christina’s father Sungkon Lee] from where I was sitting, his sobs between words were audible throughout the courtroom. Every attendee gave him their full attention as he described the anguish he felt due to his daughter’s passing, stating that his family will ‘continue to live in unbearable pain.’ [Boksun Lee, Christina’s aunt] … stated that the sentencing of this case did not matter to her, as all she wants is to have Christina back and sincerely hopes that this never happens to anybody else in the community. I agree with this sentiment – the crime had already been committed and while it is important that justice is served and leniency is not shown, what is more important is that this never happens again. As the prosecutor had stated, no parent should go through the heartbreak that is burying their own child. No one’s life should be taken abruptly from them.”

As the press conference concluded, attendees felt renewed hope and determination. The tragic loss of Christina Yuna Lee reminds us of the need for change and has inspired community leaders, legal professionals, and activists to collaborate to prevent future violence. The Asian American community in New York City is dedicated to transforming this tragedy into a catalyst for promoting safety, unity, and justice for all. The words spoken during the court hearing and press conference serve as a reminder that the fight against hate and violence goes on. The community remains vigilant in advocating for justice and ensuring that Christina’s legacy lives on through safer communities. Because an attack against one Asian American is an attack against all, the community must stand united in its commitment to justice and equity.

AABANY thanks the many organizations, leaders, and individuals who supported the Lee family during this culmination of a long ordeal. Our solidarity sends a strong message that violence and hate will not be tolerated. Through collective action, advocacy, and remembrance, we honor Christina Yuna Lee’s memory and strive for a just and equitable future.

If you need help navigating the courts and legal system as a victim of anti-Asian hate, please reach out to AABANY’s HEART (Hate Eradication Active Response Team) and the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force (AAVTF). We’re here to help, support, and advocate. These efforts are vital in preventing future tragedies. As the community moves forward, it does so with renewed determination to create a world where everyone can live without fear.

Special thanks to Elaine Chiu for organizing this court-watching event.

Written by Daphne Mei, Program Manager, AABANY Anti-Asian Violence Task Force

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AABANY Honored with the New York State Bar Association Bar Leaders Innovation Award for the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force (AAVTF)

On September 20th, 2022, AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force was honored with the prestigious Bar Leaders Innovation Award in the category of large-sized bar association (2,000 members or more) at the New York State Bar Association headquarters in Albany, making AABANY a recipient of this award for the third year in a row. Beatrice Leong, Esq., AABANY’s Co-Vice President of Programs and Operations, went to Albany to accept the award from the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Bar Leaders, on behalf of AABANY.  

On September 20, Beatrice met with bar leaders from across New York state during a Bar Leaders Symposium and discussed how AABANY was able to maintain membership and actively keep its members and community engaged. During the reception following the Symposium, Beatrice accepted the award on behalf of AABANY. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized why AAVTF was created and the impact the Hate Eradication Active Response Team (“HEART”) had on helping community members navigate the criminal justice process. Beatrice also described how AAVTF worked with community organizations, the police, local prosecutors, elected officials, and law firms to gather data on hundreds of hate incidents while also directly assisting survivors. The event concluded with a dinner among the assembled bar leaders, providing another opportunity for Beatrice to share how AABANY was able to bring its leaders and members together to fight anti-Asian violence in New York City.

In AABANY’s press release about the award, President Willam Ng further commented: “With the support and acknowledgment of NYSBA and other partner organizations, AABANY and its AAVTF are confident that we can create safe and just communities and legal systems for Asian New Yorkers and all New Yorkers.” To read the press release issued by AABANY, please click here.

To read the AAVTF’s Endless Tide report, please click here.

To support the efforts of AAVTF, please click here.

To learn more about the HEART project, please click here.

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CUNY AAARI Presents Talk on AABANY’s Endless Tide Report, Featuring Chris Kwok, Megan Gao, and David Kim

On June 10, 2022, CUNY’s Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI) hosted a discussion to address the Endless Tide report published by AABANY on May 31. The discussion was co-led by AABANY’s Board Director and Issues Committee Chair, Chris Kwok, and Megan Gao, Vice Chair of the Pro Bono and Community Service Committee. Chris is also a Co-Executive Editor of the report and Megan is an Associate Editor. As the report continues to gain media attention and publicity, various AAPI community groups have referred to Endless Tide and AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force (AAVTF) to bring their issues and concerns to government officials in New York City. 

In publishing the Endless Tide report, Megan mentioned that lawyers can make a unique contribution by using the criminal justice system as a way to analyze how anti-Asian hate crimes have been prosecuted in New York City. By tracking the number of complaints and arrests that the New York Police Department made, the authors of Endless Tide were able to offer a legal analysis that details how the system has affected and impacted our AAPI neighborhoods and communities. In their research, they found that publicly available data does not track a hate incident from initial report to final resolution. In fact, the AAVTF learned about the disposition of outstanding cases by meeting directly with various District Attorney’s offices. 

At the event, they invited David Kim, a survivor of an anti-Asian attack featured in the report. David’s case was an example of the indifference he encountered in getting a District Attorney’s Office to pursue a hate crimes prosecution. David and his friends were harassed and physically threatened after a vehicle collision at the intersection of 149th Street and 34th Avenue on June 4, 2020. They were taunted by the alleged perpetrators and called racist epithets, forcing them to stay in their car until a 911 call was made – to which the police took time to respond to. With the incident happening at the peak of the pandemic, the victims were also yelled at and blamed for causing COVID-19. After the incident, Kim wanted to file a report to the precinct and pursue a case against his perpetrators. However, after meeting with the District Attorney’s office, with the assistance of counsel, they were told that the District Attorney’s office decided that no charges, including hate crime charges, would be brought. To date, no explanation has been given for this decision.

Hearing David’s story, Chris and Megan highlighted how the title Endless Tide reflects the ongoing racial discrimination towards Asians and Asian Americans. In an effort to address and assist the members of the community that have experienced bias incidents or hate crimes, AABANY created the Hate Eradication Active Response Team (HEART). David and his attorneys came to HEART after their requests to the District Attorney’s Office to pursue hate crimes prosecutions proved futile. Ultimately, the Endless Tide report and the AAVTF seek to encourage discussion with government officials and other organizations to take a closer look at how we can address the hate, violence, and discrimination faced by the AAPI community in New York City. 

To watch the recording of the event, please click here or on the image above. To contact AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, send an email to [email protected].

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Student Outreach Committee, Pro Bono Committee & AABANY Volunteers Promote Pro Bono Legal Clinic, Know Your Rights Resources, and AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service in Asian and Asian American Communities

On Saturday, September 4, 2021, the Student Outreach Committee and the Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) returned to Asian and Asian American communities across New York City to promote PBCS’s newly-back in person Pro Bono Clinic and AABANY’s COVID-19 Legal Know-Your-Rights Resources as well as AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS). 

The Brooklyn Chinatown volunteers were led by May Wong, Judy Lee and Kwok Ng of the PBCS Committee, the Koreatown volunteers were led by Victor Roh and Will Lee, a key leader and organizer of last year’s event, and the Manhattan Chinatown volunteers were led by Nicholas Loh and Dianna Lam, another key leader and organizer of last year’s event.

This campaign built off the energy and momentum of the initial flyering campaign held last year over the July 4 holiday weekend, during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  This year’s campaign saw the addition of another community, Brooklyn Chinatown, and included over 40 volunteers from AABANY and law schools across the Greater New York area.

The results were impressive. Over 1,000 flyers in Chinese, Korean and English were distributed to local small businesses promoting AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinic, Know-Your-Rights information, and the LRIS. Our student volunteers had meaningful opportunities to interact with small business owners who have been hit hard by a staggering two years of anti-Asian hate and violence, COVID-19 business disruptions, and the devastating impact on Asian businesses as a result of xenophobia and racism. 

This event would not have been possible without the co-sponsorship of AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee, AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service Committee, AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee, Asian Americans for Equality, APALSAs from all across the Greater New York area and Mayer Brown.

Read more about AABANY’s PBCS Committee and Pro Bono Clinic, about AABANY’s LRIS service here, HEART here, and Know Your Rights info here. Thanks to all the organizers, co-sponsors, and — especially — all the student volunteers.

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AABANY Co-Sponsors a CLE Program about Anti-Asian Violence and Steps Lawyers Can Take to Combat the Issue on May 26

On May 26, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), along with the New York City Bar Association (NYCBA) and the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), hosted a CLE program about the rise in anti-Asian violence during the past year. Karen King, AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee Co-Chair welcomed the attendees. Bret Parker, the Executive Director of the New York City Bar Association introduced the program and gave his thanks to the organizers of the event as well. Karen Kithan Yau, AABANY Board Director and the moderator for the event, introduced the program’s panelists: PBCS Committee Co-Chair and Morvillo Abramowitz Partner Karen King; AABANY Board Director, Issues Committee Co-Chair, Asia Practice Committee Co-Chair and JAMS Mediator Chris Kwok; Girls Rule the Law founder Mirna Santiago; Kings County DA Office Bureau Chief Kin Ng; and Legal Aid Society Cop Accountability Project attorney Jennvine Wong.

Karen King and Chris began the presentation for the event. Karen first discussed the origins of anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining that anti-Asian bias incidents began very early on in the pandemic. The number of incidents only tapered off due to the stay-at-home orders, before increasing once again after President Trump’s inflammatory statements blaming Asians for the outbreak. Chris also pointed out that the New York Police Department (NYPD) often neglected to fully investigate the earliest occurrences of anti-Asian hate, regarding them as minor incidents. He also presented a brief history of anti-Asian violence, beginning with the Chinese massacre of 1871 which immunized violence against Asians and ending with the Vincent Chin case. Karen then discussed the causes of the violence against Asians. She explained that societal stress, inaccurate information, underreporting, lack of cultural awareness of the discrimination that Asians face, and prosecution’s tendency to not pursue hate crime enhancements all contributed to the increase in anti-Asian incidents. Chris also noted that the NYPD Asian Hate Crimes Task Force not only lacks funding, but that its members are already assigned to other departments in the NYPD and serve on the Task Force on a volunteer basis. The Black Lives Matter and the Defund the Police movements also eclipsed the issue of anti-Asian violence through the end of 2020. Karen explained that AABANY’s report on anti-Asian violence was written to document this issue and keep it in the public eye.

After the presentation, Karen Yau opened the conversation to the rest of the panelists. She began by addressing Mirna, asking her what it meant to be an ally. Mirna explained that the feeling of “otherness” is something that all minority groups face. She also emphasized the need to break away from tit-for-tat allyship and to build a trans-racial coalition united to fight against racism and hate.

Karen then turned to Kin and asked about the reasons why any hate crimes had yet to be successfully prosecuted. Kin explained that unlike other crimes, law enforcement must not only prove that the perpetrator committed the crime, but also must prove that the perpetrator was motivated by racist sentiments. This process is often lengthy and requires a great deal of investigation. Kin also pointed out that acquiring evidence of hate speech can be prevented by the victim’s inability to understand English. He acknowledged how frustrating the process was, but also encouraged the attendees to report any incidents, as establishing a pattern aids the prosecution of hate crimes.

Karen then followed up by asking how prosecutors dealt with the difficulties of investigating hate crimes. Kin explained that establishing trust between the District Attorney’s Office and people in the community is instrumental in acquiring evidence. He also pointed out that more funding and employing more bilingual individuals to act as a liaison between the DA’s Office and the community would aid prosecution immensely.

Karen then turned to the issue of over-incarceration. Addressing Jennvine, Karen asked her thoughts about combating anti-Asian incidents without turning to incarceration. Jennvine acknowledged the issue, emphasizing how hate crime enhancements disproportionately affect other minorities who are already overrepresented in the prison system. She also asserted that criminalization would obscure the root cause of the violence, white supremacy. Rather than buy into the media’s false narrative of blacks versus Asians, Jennvine explained that many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are subjected to violence because they are trapped in poverty and living in unsafe neighborhoods. Jennvine concluded by contending that turning to the NYPD would not offer a viable long-term solution.

Karen then returned to Kin, asking if the new discovery laws had any effect on the prosecution of hate crimes. Kin explained that the new laws would allow the alleged perpetrator’s defense attorney to call witnesses in their homes because the defense is entitled to interview witnesses. This change has resulted in some individuals being less willing to testify, making underreporting more severe.

Karen then moved the conversation to bail reform. She described one incident where, due to the pandemic, the alleged perpetrator of a bias incident was not put on trial and walked free without an order of protection for the alleged victim for several months before going to court. Jennvine responded by emphasizing the importance of bail reform and how previous bail laws only gave victims a false sense of security. She also pointed out that orders of protection are typically granted and also tend to only give protection in name. Kin also noted that the large gap between the report of the incident and the court date was due to the extraordinary circumstances caused by the pandemic. The absence of an order of protection was due to the lack of a court hearing until the later date.

Karen then addressed Chris, asking about his experiences in speaking with the media. Chris explained that when the report was published in February of 2021, mass media was not aware of the basic facts about anti-Asian violence. When the media coverage began to recede in March, the Atlanta shootings gave new gravity to the situation, though much of the nuance about the issue was lost in the popular narrative which pits blacks against Asians. Nonetheless, Chris also noted that the attention Asians have received in the media is unprecedented.

Karen then turned back to Mirna, asking to what degree the conflict between Asians and blacks is real. Mirna emphasized the need to educate others and to reconsider our own bias when being an ally. She also highlighted Grace Lee Boggs, an Asian woman who was extremely active in the fight for black civil rights in the 1960s. She closed by reiterating the need for listening and empathy across communities.

Karen then inquired about the importance of symbols, such as swastikas, in prosecuting hate crimes. Kin responded that since Asian cultures are extremely diverse, finding a single symbol that could be employed as a hate symbol against Asians would be difficult. Kin also reiterated that the police’s ability to prove a connection between race and the crime depends largely on the amount of effort the police are willing to put into the investigation.

Karen’s final question was about the possibility of a program where alleged perpetrators could receive counseling from victims. Karen King disagreed, questioning its practicality, but supported counseling perpetrators. Mirna concurred, stating that it should never be the burden of the victims to help their perpetrators. Chris also emphasized the importance of education and cultural competency in combating racism and building solidarity.

Kin and Chris then closed the panel discussion by reemphasizing the need for reporting incidents, as the issue of anti-Asian violence would remain invisible unless victims and witnesses stepped forward to bring the issue into the spotlight.

The President of the NYSBA, Scott Karson, concluded the event by thanking the organizers, panelists, and attendees for participating in the event, and reiterated NYSBA’s solidarity with the Asian community. Karen Yau also encouraged attendees to volunteer for AABANY’s Hate Eradication Active Response Team (HEART), an initiative which would allow volunteers to connect community members who had experienced a bias incident with legal and mental health resources.

To learn more about the HEART initiative click here. To view the full video of the program, click here.

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AABANY AAVTF Holds a Briefing on Anti-Asian Violence on May 25

On May 25, the Asian American Bar Association of New York’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force (AAVTF) hosted an information briefing about the AAVTF’s activities and about the rise in anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The speakers for the event were AABANY President Terry Shen; Board Director, Issues Committee Co-Chair and Asia Practice Committee Co-Chair Chris Kwok; Board Director and past Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee Co-Chair Karen Yau; PBCS Committee Co-Chair Karen King; Prosecutors’ Committee Co-Chair Joseb Gim; and Executive Director Yang Chen.

Chris and President Shen gave the opening remarks, introducing the event, and thanking all the attendees for coming.

After these remarks, Chris began the presentation, explaining how the publicity about anti-Asian violence generated in mainstream media has suddenly catapulted Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) into the public consciousness. Unlike before, Asians are now viewed as a group that experiences discrimination and violence, just like any other minority. Chris explained that these realizations politically empower AAPIs to make change in the political system as Asians become more aware about race and the ways in which it affects them. The AAPI identity has also been recreated through artwork, publications, and other initiatives. Asian non-profits have also begun receiving a large influx of donations that have great potential to aid the AAPI community. Chris also discussed the history of AABANY’s report and how Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric about the virus incited a wave of anti-Asian hate and violence during early 2020. These events culminated in the report’s publication in February 2021. Karen then discussed the report’s publication process which involved the feedback and support of bar associations, law firms and other organizations. The subsequent publicity generated by the report was cemented by the anti-Asian shootings in Atlanta. Ever since, Karen explained, AABANY has frequently been requested to speak at numerous events and on many media outlets. Many initiatives proposed by the report have also since been implemented.

Yang then went on to discuss the genesis of the AAVTF, made up of members of the Academic Committee, Issues Committee, Legal Referral and Information Services (LRIS) Committee, PBCS Committee, Prosecutors Committee, and Student Outreach Committee as well as Immediate Past President Sapna Palla, President Shen, and President-Elect Will Ng. Yang also explained how the AAVTF was founded to realize the goals outlined in the report, focusing on three prongs of action: education/communication, research, and advocacy. Ever since, the AAVTF has pressed for hate crime prosecutions in DA Offices, published Know Your Rights Brochures for community members on what to do if they face an anti-Asian bias incident or hate crime, organized speaking engagements, begun data tracking for incidents, formed the Hate Eradication Active Response Team (HEART), and much more to raise awareness and combat anti-Asian violence.

Joe Gim, prosecutor and the Chief of the new Hate Crimes Bureau at the Nassau County DA Office next discussed the role of the Prosecutors’ Committee in the AAVTF, which was primarily to shed light on criminal statutes and on the gaps between law enforcement’s understanding and implementation of these statutes. This information, Joe explained, is used to strengthen AABANY’s initiatives and advocacy efforts.

Chris affirmed this statement, reiterating his thanks to the AAVTF and the indispensable support it provides in leading the conversation about anti-Asian violence. Chris also pointed out that any movements that fight back against hate, regardless of which group is targeted, are fighting against a common enemy of structural racism.

Yang and Karen Yau went on to promote the Turning the Tide (T3) Project, which is hosted at the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY) to raise money for the AAVTF’s initiatives, research, and advocacy combating anti-Asian hate and violence. Karen King also gave a special shoutout to the HEART initiative, encouraging the attendees to volunteer their time to help connect victims of anti-Asian violence with legal aid and other resources. She also encouraged attendees to involve their law firms as sponsors for projects and events.

Chris then closed the presentation by pointing out how the police’s lackluster response to hate crimes is in part due to the historical invisibility of the AAPI community. He also explained how this invisibility has its roots in the 1853 People v. Hall case where George Hall, a white man, was convicted but then released after murdering a Chinese miner. Chris explained how Hall appealed his release on the basis of a California statute which prevented people of color from testifying against whites. Chris also emphasized that supporting the Black Lives Matter movement does not detract from support for the AAPI cause. To illustrate the importance of building a multi-racial coalition, Chris recounted an interview he had with the celebrated documentary director Spike Lee for his film about New York City and race that will be released in September 2021. Lee explained that he had chosen to interview Chris because “people were asking where the Asians were. And I listened.”

After the presentations, the discussion was opened to the attendees for a question and answer session. 

Karen Lin, PBCS Committee Co-Chair asked whether or not AABANY would advocate for including AAPI history in the public school curriculum. Yang answered by reiterating AABANY’s support of any educational initiatives, pointing to AABANY’s trial reenactments project as an example. 

AABANY member Jennifer Luo then pointed the discussion towards the lack of successful hate crime prosecutions. Joe explained that law enforcement currently lacks sufficient resources and infrastructure to investigate hate crimes. As hate crimes are unique in that the prosecutor must prove that the perpetrator was motivated to commit the crime due to racial bias, this process requires more investigation and information which the police currently lacks. To address this issue, Joe also proposed creating a database of hate crimes and bias incidents that would allow law enforcement to easily access information and also to enable community members to report incidents more efficiently. He also mentioned the newly minted COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which would allocate funding towards combating hate crimes. Chris also added that AABANY is planning a Candidates’ Forum that would give AABANY and its members an opportunity to ask about measures being considered to protect the AAPI community from violence. 

David Ahn then asked about AABANY’s plans to monitor hate crimes going forward. Chris answered by citing AABANY’s involvement in a case in Flushing, Queens where the perpetrator, despite revealing his racist sentiments in a text sent to the New York Times, was not charged with a hate crime. After AABANY’s advocacy in the DA’s Office, the perpetrator was charged with a hate crime. Chris also added that, though not every case would lead to a hate crime enhancement, AABANY is continuing to monitor the news and other outlets for advocacy opportunities. Yang also explained that the HEART initiative would help AABANY keep track of the incidents, connect with the community, and improve AABANY’s advocacy efforts. Karen Yau also pointed out that there are other alternatives to criminal prosecutions that victims would be able to pursue if they wished.

Chris then shared his own experiences with anti-Asian violence growing up, recounting a story where his friends were assaulted by a white supremacist gang while exiting a movie theater in Queens. He also described his efforts to reconnect with them hoping to preserve their stories and voices as a part of the history of anti-Asian violence.

AABANY Treasurer William Hao also discussed his own involvement in the aftermath of the Atlanta shootings while on a call with former U.S. Attorney Byung J. (“BJay”) Pak, the FBI, and local law enforcement. Will shared that even though the media had severely twisted the narrative by promoting the perpetrator’s claim that he had not been motivated by racism, the call served to give Asians a voice in revealing the truth of the events and reshaping the story. Will concluded by emphasizing the importance of AAPI representation in government and law enforcement.

Marilyn Go (USMJ EDNY, ret’d) then asked about AABANY’s ability to speak out during majority political forums. Chris answered by pointing out the difficulty of entering majority forums, but also noted that events recorded on Zoom would allow AABANY to hold candidates accountable for their words. Yang also referenced the City Council District One Candidates’ Forum which did take questions from AABANY regarding the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force. Jennifer then asked about the possibility of keeping a record of candidates’ responses regarding issues of anti-Asian violence. Chris responded that AABANY’s future plans to hold a Manhattan DA Candidates’ forum would allow AABANY to record responses from the candidates on that issue.

AABANY thanks all of the attendees for their time and their commitment to serving the AAPI community. To view the recording of the event, click here.

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