A Burnaby-based coalition tackling racism has been honoured with an award by the province.
The Stand With Asians Coalition was recognized with 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 coalition co-founder Doris 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.”
Imtiaz Popat of Vancouver also received an Intercultural Trust Award.
"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."
Since the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards launched in 2008, the province says more than 40 individuals and organizations have been recognized.
In 2021, Mah and the coalition made a plea to the city to proclaim May 10 as a Day of Action Against Asian Racism.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley and council passed the proclamation at the end of April, noting May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada.
Burnaby RCMP said there had been a 50% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 ranged from property damage, including offensive graffiti, to threats and assaults.
- with files from Cornelia Naylor, Burnaby Now
