The Asian American and Pacific Islander community do not feel safe in the wake of widespread attacks since the start of the pandemic. Please hear our local grassroots AAPI community organizers and activists consider their recommendations to combat AAPI hate and discrimination.
My name is Jer Xiong and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I’m an Asian American. We are people, my AAPI COMMUNITY needs to feel safe and protected in their home and neighborhood. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
My name is Fuemeng Fang and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because it stresses the importance of not only protecting individual members but the community as a whole. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community-based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
My name is Jatan Grewal and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I myself am an Asian American and it pains to see my community being treated so horribly. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community-based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
My name is Dr. Dvera Saxton. I write as an associate professor of anthropology at Fresno State; we as a community should support denouncing the discrimination against the Asian American communities during the COVID-19 crisis in Fresno. We need to set a strong precedent against the violence and intolerance expressed to Asian Americans in our region--attitudes and behaviors motivated by racism and blatantly inaccurate information about the coronavirus. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a long history in Fresno, and in California, playing innumerable positive roles in the development of our state and nation. I also write out of concern for the mental and emotional well-being of my students, who are living in fear for their lives and their families. No one should have to endure such burdens. We have the potential to put a stop to this in all sorts of institutions--I hope the City Council will make the right decision and support this resolution, crafted by influential, intelligent, caring, compassionate, and brave Asian American leaders and community members.
My name is Vasmer Vang (pronouns: he/they) and I am a 2L (2nd-Year) law student at UC Hastings, a Co-Founder organizer and Lead Community Coordinator of Queer Hmong Intersectional Pride (QHIP), and a born-and-raised Fresno Resident living in District 5. Post-graduation, I will be planning to work in public interest legal organizations to support and provide services to rural CA communities in the Central Valley, particularly for low-income LGBTQ+ immigrant communities of color. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
I fear for the safety of the AAPI community, especially for women, the elderly, and queer folks, who have been frequently targeted for these racist-motivated acts of violence. I have always valued the spaces that Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP) and other CBO's have provided to allow me to mourn the losses of our community, heal from trauma Asian Americans have experienced, and to step forward to take action that will protect Fresno's communities. The Asian American resolution is a step that the City of Fresno can take to make sure that the Asian community is heard and supported.
It is essential for the City of Fresno to work in partnership with CBO's to be culturally responsive to our needs as Fresno's community members. Thank you and please, VOTE YES in support of this resolution!
My name is Dr. Davorn Sisavath and I am an Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies at Fresno State, and a community member. I strongly support this resolution. I hope the City of Fresno will stand in solidarity with the Asian American community to stop anti-Asian racism and violence, and provide services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members in Fresno.
My name is Jayming Moua and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I myself am an Asian American but I believe that no community should have to deal with these recent hate acts. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
My name is Tammy Vang and I am an organizer of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because everyone deserve to be safe in the neighbors they live in. N one should have to be afraid of going outside their house. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community-based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
My name is Hia Chue Vang and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I'm Asian and I don't want to see this happening to my community. Please do something to stop it. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community-based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety.
Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
My name is Ying Thao and I am a future teacher of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and well being of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I take care of my elderly mother. I can't help but think of all the elderly Asians that are being targets for these heinous acts of crime. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusive of all community members.
I am in full support of this resolution and applaud the Fresno City Council for taking this proactive step in support of its Asian American residents. I am appalled at the rise in hate speech and incidents committed against Asian Americans in California and around the nation, caused in large part by our former president's careless and blatantly hateful rhetoric that cast blame on anyone with an Asian face for "bringing the coronavirus" to this country. Such ignorance should not be tolerated and this resolution is a step in the right direction for the future of our diverse city.
Fresno City Council & Mayor Dyer,
Since March 2020, Asian friends/family in Fresno have experienced various levels of racist incidents. These incidents include, elderly being pushed, racial slurs hurled at a father and son while mowing their lawn, being ask about the "China" virus by other patients at Kaiser, being followed and called "Corona Virus" at Winco, and having a gun pulled on a young Asian woman at the River Park Target. These were from personal friends, family, and colleagues so I can only imagine more incidents that are happening. I asked individuals why they did not report some of these incidents. Most of the responses I received were that because it was not an actual "crime," some incidents were late and they did not have time, "What would police do anyway?"Friends have expressed fear about family members getting hurt on daily walks and trips to grocery stores.
Denouncing the anti-Asian rhetoric, hate, violence, racism, xenophobia and white supremacy from the City and Mayor will hopefully take some of that fear away.
Working with the Asian community and CBOs to address the disparities and needs of the community is a huge step in the right direction for our City. It is Fresno's opportunity to set an example for other cities statewide and nationally.
I strongly support the passage of this resolution.
Thank you.
David Bouttavong
He/Him/HIs
Lao Community Advocate
District 1
I support this cause. It is imperative that the Asian American community is represented by this action. Asian Americans need to feel safe in their own home and neighborhoods because hate crimes should not stand over truth.
I support this resolution and it is important to me. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
Hello mayor and council members. My name is Madelyn San and I am representing myself as a Khmer-American community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
As a long term resident of District 7, I have seen and experienced the resilience of our community even despite daily adversity, and because of that I feel proud to call Fresno my home. However, the rise of hate crimes against our community has made it so that Asian community members feel unsafe. A simple trip to the grocery store is dangerous. Merely showing up to work could mean putting our lives at risk. It is imperative that the city take action to address the violence our community members continue to face. This initiative is a great step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported now and for generations to come.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally competent and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of not just Asian Americans, but all community members that make Fresno.
City council members, my name is Huab Xiong, and I was born and raised in Fresno. I write to you from Massachusetts to support this resolution for the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Community. I am now a 4th year Political Science student in Massachusetts graduating in May. Fresno has shaped my life through the many challenges I had to overcome, socially, economically, and politically. While attending a predominantly white institution as a student-athlete, I’ve experienced many racial struggles that have caused setbacks but also determination to do more social justice work. I’ve resided in District 7 for almost all my life and I will always give more love back to it as I get older and become more resourceful.
I matter. My family and community matters to me. I know that everywhere I go and every time I come back home, I am constantly being racially and ethnically challenged whether that’s at the stores, streets, or community gatherings. Fresno is home to a huge population of vulnerable immigrant/refugee communities identified as Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander. I urge you all to use your platform that the people of Fresno have voted you to do and protect our children and parents.
I, Jeffrey Vang, am in full support of this resolution. This resolution will provide a strong message that the city of Fresno will not tolerate these kind of acts, that we are a community that is inclusive and cares and respects all our diverse communities.
Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and inclusivity of all communities in Fresno.
Dear Fresno City Council-members,
The Asian American and Pacific Islander community do not feel safe in the wake of widespread attacks since the start of the pandemic. Please hear our local grassroots AAPI community organizers and activists consider their recommendations to combat AAPI hate and discrimination.
VN
My name is Jer Xiong and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I’m an Asian American. We are people, my AAPI COMMUNITY needs to feel safe and protected in their home and neighborhood. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
Thank you for your consideration
My name is Fuemeng Fang and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because it stresses the importance of not only protecting individual members but the community as a whole. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community-based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
Thank you for your consideration.
My name is Jatan Grewal and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I myself am an Asian American and it pains to see my community being treated so horribly. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community-based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
Thank you for your consideration.
My name is Dr. Dvera Saxton. I write as an associate professor of anthropology at Fresno State; we as a community should support denouncing the discrimination against the Asian American communities during the COVID-19 crisis in Fresno. We need to set a strong precedent against the violence and intolerance expressed to Asian Americans in our region--attitudes and behaviors motivated by racism and blatantly inaccurate information about the coronavirus. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a long history in Fresno, and in California, playing innumerable positive roles in the development of our state and nation. I also write out of concern for the mental and emotional well-being of my students, who are living in fear for their lives and their families. No one should have to endure such burdens. We have the potential to put a stop to this in all sorts of institutions--I hope the City Council will make the right decision and support this resolution, crafted by influential, intelligent, caring, compassionate, and brave Asian American leaders and community members.
My name is Vasmer Vang (pronouns: he/they) and I am a 2L (2nd-Year) law student at UC Hastings, a Co-Founder organizer and Lead Community Coordinator of Queer Hmong Intersectional Pride (QHIP), and a born-and-raised Fresno Resident living in District 5. Post-graduation, I will be planning to work in public interest legal organizations to support and provide services to rural CA communities in the Central Valley, particularly for low-income LGBTQ+ immigrant communities of color. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
I fear for the safety of the AAPI community, especially for women, the elderly, and queer folks, who have been frequently targeted for these racist-motivated acts of violence. I have always valued the spaces that Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP) and other CBO's have provided to allow me to mourn the losses of our community, heal from trauma Asian Americans have experienced, and to step forward to take action that will protect Fresno's communities. The Asian American resolution is a step that the City of Fresno can take to make sure that the Asian community is heard and supported.
It is essential for the City of Fresno to work in partnership with CBO's to be culturally responsive to our needs as Fresno's community members. Thank you and please, VOTE YES in support of this resolution!
My name is Dr. Davorn Sisavath and I am an Assistant Professor of Asian American Studies at Fresno State, and a community member. I strongly support this resolution. I hope the City of Fresno will stand in solidarity with the Asian American community to stop anti-Asian racism and violence, and provide services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members in Fresno.
My name is Jayming Moua and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I myself am an Asian American but I believe that no community should have to deal with these recent hate acts. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
Thank you for your consideration.
My name is Tammy Vang and I am an organizer of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because everyone deserve to be safe in the neighbors they live in. N one should have to be afraid of going outside their house. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community-based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
Thank you for your consideration.
My name is Hia Chue Vang and I am a community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I'm Asian and I don't want to see this happening to my community. Please do something to stop it. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community-based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety.
Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
I support the resolution. Please vote for it. Concerned community member.
My name is Ying Thao and I am a future teacher of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and well being of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
This resolution is important to me because I take care of my elderly mother. I can't help but think of all the elderly Asians that are being targets for these heinous acts of crime. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusive of all community members.
Thank you for your consideration.
I am in full support of this resolution and applaud the Fresno City Council for taking this proactive step in support of its Asian American residents. I am appalled at the rise in hate speech and incidents committed against Asian Americans in California and around the nation, caused in large part by our former president's careless and blatantly hateful rhetoric that cast blame on anyone with an Asian face for "bringing the coronavirus" to this country. Such ignorance should not be tolerated and this resolution is a step in the right direction for the future of our diverse city.
Fresno City Council & Mayor Dyer,
Since March 2020, Asian friends/family in Fresno have experienced various levels of racist incidents. These incidents include, elderly being pushed, racial slurs hurled at a father and son while mowing their lawn, being ask about the "China" virus by other patients at Kaiser, being followed and called "Corona Virus" at Winco, and having a gun pulled on a young Asian woman at the River Park Target. These were from personal friends, family, and colleagues so I can only imagine more incidents that are happening. I asked individuals why they did not report some of these incidents. Most of the responses I received were that because it was not an actual "crime," some incidents were late and they did not have time, "What would police do anyway?"Friends have expressed fear about family members getting hurt on daily walks and trips to grocery stores.
Denouncing the anti-Asian rhetoric, hate, violence, racism, xenophobia and white supremacy from the City and Mayor will hopefully take some of that fear away.
Working with the Asian community and CBOs to address the disparities and needs of the community is a huge step in the right direction for our City. It is Fresno's opportunity to set an example for other cities statewide and nationally.
I strongly support the passage of this resolution.
Thank you.
David Bouttavong
He/Him/HIs
Lao Community Advocate
District 1
I support this cause. It is imperative that the Asian American community is represented by this action. Asian Americans need to feel safe in their own home and neighborhoods because hate crimes should not stand over truth.
We need to stop the violence before it gets any worse.
I support this resolution and it is important to me. This Asian American resolution is a step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported not only in this moment, but for future generations to come as well.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations that work closely with community members to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally responsive and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety of not just Asian Americans, but for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of all community members.
Hello mayor and council members. My name is Madelyn San and I am representing myself as a Khmer-American community member of Fresno. I am writing to ask you to vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and wellbeing of Asian communities and all communities in Fresno.
As a long term resident of District 7, I have seen and experienced the resilience of our community even despite daily adversity, and because of that I feel proud to call Fresno my home. However, the rise of hate crimes against our community has made it so that Asian community members feel unsafe. A simple trip to the grocery store is dangerous. Merely showing up to work could mean putting our lives at risk. It is imperative that the city take action to address the violence our community members continue to face. This initiative is a great step the city can take in making sure that Asian community members are heard and supported now and for generations to come.
It is essential that the City of Fresno takes action to work in partnership with community based organizations to address the discrimination and violence against Asian Americans and all people of color by providing services that are culturally competent and accessible in promoting their wellness and safety. Please vote in favor of this resolution for the necessity of safety and inclusivity of not just Asian Americans, but all community members that make Fresno.
Thank you.
City council members, my name is Huab Xiong, and I was born and raised in Fresno. I write to you from Massachusetts to support this resolution for the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Community. I am now a 4th year Political Science student in Massachusetts graduating in May. Fresno has shaped my life through the many challenges I had to overcome, socially, economically, and politically. While attending a predominantly white institution as a student-athlete, I’ve experienced many racial struggles that have caused setbacks but also determination to do more social justice work. I’ve resided in District 7 for almost all my life and I will always give more love back to it as I get older and become more resourceful.
I matter. My family and community matters to me. I know that everywhere I go and every time I come back home, I am constantly being racially and ethnically challenged whether that’s at the stores, streets, or community gatherings. Fresno is home to a huge population of vulnerable immigrant/refugee communities identified as Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander. I urge you all to use your platform that the people of Fresno have voted you to do and protect our children and parents.
Thank you.
I, Jeffrey Vang, am in full support of this resolution. This resolution will provide a strong message that the city of Fresno will not tolerate these kind of acts, that we are a community that is inclusive and cares and respects all our diverse communities.
Please vote in favor of this resolution for the safety and inclusivity of all communities in Fresno.