The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement is holding a rally this weekend in response to the dramatic rise of violence against the Asian community across the country. NPR has reported more than 3,800 instances of discrimination and violence against Asians in just the past year, including the recent shooting of 6 women of Asian descent in Atlanta.
Mokah Jasmine Johnson, the president of the AADM, says this is a time for all marginalized communities to join together to bring about change. She and others say the Atlanta shootings should be considered a hate crime.
According to Johnson, "A lot of the news reports (are) trying to avoid using the language of a hate crime, or saying 'Asian women.' They're saying 'a shooting' or 'a spa,' or even down to the fact that they say he's 'having a bad day.' That's an approach of trying to water down this issue."
The rally is Saturday, April 3, from 3 pm to 5 pm. It will begin at the UGA Arch and will include a march to City Hall. March organizers encourage all attendees to bring flowers for the victims and signs for the demonstration.
