A Burnaby organization combating racism is organizing mini rallies in B.C. and across the country to mark the National Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism on May 10.
In April 2021, the Stand With Asians Coalition, and its founder Doris Mah, made a plea to the city to proclaim May 10 as a Day of Action Against Racism.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and council passed the proclamation, noting May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada.
"Every resident in Burnaby deserves safe public spaces without the fear of discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability," the proclamation reads, in part.
Rallies were held on the same day last year throughout the Lower Mainland including Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Burnaby (Metrotown SkyTrain station), Mission and Hope. This year, rallies are scheduled for Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Mission and Surrey.
“It was really heartwarming to see that there were so many of us out there," Mah told the NOW after the rallies last year.
“This is when people come together and say ‘we’re all in this together' because we are all hurting. We’re not pointing fingers, we’re just demanding the government to have stronger action.”
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Burnaby RCMP said there had been a 350% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes.
In 2019, the detachment responded to six hate crimes with an Asian victim or target – that number jumped to 27 in 2020, police said.
Of all the hate-motivated offences reported to police in 2020, 63% (27 out of 43) were identified as having an Asian victim or target – that was up from 30% (six out of 20) in 2019.
Burnaby’s top cop, Supt. Graham de la Gorgendiere, said the incidents have ranged from property damage, including offensive graffiti, to threats and assaults.
According to a recent report by RCMP, 2021 saw fewer hate crimes reported.
Police say there were 12 hate crimes in Burnaby, with five assaults, four property crimes and three instances of uttering threats reported.
Stand with Asians Coalition recognized for work combating racism
The Stand With Asians Coalition received an Intercultural Trust Award on March 21, which recognizes outstanding work in building intercultural trust and understanding, and/or reducing racism and hate between communities.
“On behalf of our board and all our group members, I want to sincerely thank the B.C. government for selecting Stand With Asians Coalition as the recipient of the BC Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism award," said Mah in a news release.
“The Stand With Asians Coalition movement started just a year ago, in April 2021, around my kitchen table after I read that hate crime in Burnaby had increased by 350% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vancouver saw a 700% increase. A few of us came together quickly to form this coalition because we felt that something had to be done to tackle racism and discrimination.
“Many hours went into uniting cities across the country to proclaim May 10, 2021, as the Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism to highlight the urgent need to develop more effective policy initiatives and encourage systemic change to protect all Canadians.”
Since the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards launched in 2008, the province says more than 40 individuals and organizations have been recognized.
"I want to acknowledge the hard work and unpaid labour Black, Indigenous and racialized British Columbians take on to fight for systemic change. Thank you for your courage, passion and persistence," Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives Rachna Singh added in the release.
"I am grateful to all of the nominees for their efforts this year, and all of the organizations, individuals and volunteers throughout B.C. who are strengthening our communities by challenging the status quo, supporting those who are victims of hate and fighting against white supremacy."
- with files from Chris Campbell and Cornelia Naylor, Burnaby NOW
