Northam declares March 26 ‘Stop Asian Hate Virtual Day of Action and Healing’

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared March 26 “Stop Asian Hate Virtual Day of Action and Healing” in Virginia and invited Virginians to participate in support of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities statewide.

“The harassment, violence, and attacks against our Asian American and Pacific Islander friends, neighbors, and community members must stop,” said Northam. “We have a shared responsibility to make clear that this is not who we are as Virginians, or as Americans. I call on Virginians to help end this dangerous rhetoric, fear, and intimidation and condemn hate and bigotry in all its forms.”

Northam and a bipartisan group of 26 governors issued a joint statement Friday condemning the rise in violence against Asian American communities. Last week, Northam spoke about the rise in violence against Asian Americans, addressing the mass shooting in Atlanta where the six of the eight people killed were women of Asian descent.

In the coming weeks, Northam and members of his administration will travel throughout Virginia for a series of conversations with a group of Asian American and Pacific Islander community advocates, faith leaders, business owners, students, educators, and frontline workers.

For details about the Virtual National Day of Action and Healing, visit http://asianamericandayofaction.com.