[Press Release Date: April 11, 2021 / Boston, MA] Late last year, the United Nations issued a report that detailed “an alarming level” of racially motivated violence and other hate incidents against Asian Americans. With national media attention to the significant and tragic rise of anti-Asian hate crimes across the country and the #StopAsianHate movement, it is vital that we all band together and combat racism against Asian Americans.
The voices of Asian youths are strong and powerful. Their message is one of pride in their Asian heritage and their message urgently cries out for all Asians to be treated and respected as rightful Americans.
“Proud To Be Asian” Rally on April 11th, Boston Common by UpLive USA. (IG @UpLiveUSA)
In an effort to support our entire Community, Uplive formed a community rally held on April 11th in Boston Common to call upon schools to include the teachings of Asian American history and culture within the K-12 curriculum. The event included the voices of Asian youth with an inaugural musical performance of their inspirational song entitled, “We are proud to be Asian.”
The rally was spearheaded by NECAA (New England Chinese-American Alliance), CAAL (Chinese American Association of Lexington) and New Moon International Media Inc. alongside 50 other participating organizations.
This alarming growing national movement to end Asian hate crimes and the youthful embrace of their Asian heritage holds hold for a brighter future. The synergy of these efforts is a potent catalyst for action. We believe it is imperative, now more than ever, for our schools to incorporate the teaching of Asian American history and culture into the K-12 curriculum.
The American story taught in our schools that it is not complete without including the contributions, struggles, and treatment of Asian Americans across history. We urge educators and school leaders in Massachusetts to bring the Asian American story into the curriculum for the benefit of all students. It will acknowledge the important role of Asians in the U.S. allow for better understanding of the Asian experience, and create a climate that promotes equity and unity for all.
On Sunday, April 11th 2021 held at Boston Common showed pride in the Asian Heritage. The rally featured the release of the music video, “We are Proud to Be Asian” and a live performance of youth artists were in the audience. The heartfelt speeches from youth representatives, educators and advocates call to action will be the first big step towards the movement. Uplive was proud to have livestreamed the event on their app.