As an Asian American, I've been trying to find the right words to describe my feeling towards the injustice on George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breona Taylor.

However, remaining silent isn't an option anymore. It is also frustrating to watch the constant inequities and hurtful dehumanizing treatment towards African American and other diverse communities.

The U.S. has a history of ill treatments towards its immigrant community and refugees. The Chinese were prosecuted in the early 1900s and Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps in the 1950s. And presently, the ill mistreatment towards our Latin American brothers and sisters.

Being in the great city of Atlanta and the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — we should amplify his words for civil rights and heart to fight against racism.

I do not condone the violence and looting that has transpired over the past few days in America. However, I respect the peaceful protest and the need of frustrated voices to be heard.

As Asian Americans – we stand side by side – along with our African American brothers and sisters in solidarity and support.

The United States of America is a great nation and a powerful democracy. We all need to harness the power of the vote. The power to change the rhetoric, to change for the better in all of us and our children's future.

Each of us must be inclusive in our daily lives and neighborhoods where we live. We have to hear and be compassionate towards the frustrated and under-represented voices.

The crisis before us is a wake-up call and to call for actions for our communities, business and government to act and invest for the common good. The existing structural obstacles inhibits inclusiveness and understanding amongst the diverse cultural backgrounds that we live in.

Respectfully,

Li Wong
Publisher
Georgia Asian Times