UA3 calls for all communities to work together to stop the hate

For immediate release · March 31, 2021

New York, NY — UA3 condemns the hate and violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in New York and across America. The increasing hate and violence against AAPIs are heartbreaking and troubling. We must all work together to denounce and stop these frightening and painful acts of hate.

AAPI is an important part of the American fabric, from building the transcontinental railroad to defending America’s democracy in the World Wars. AAPI contributes to all aspects of American life, from architecture, fashion, and art to cuisine and much more.

“We need to stop hate and violence. We need to share ONE LOVE for all community members across New York and beyond. We have made this UA3’s mission for the past year, since COVID-19 started in New York, to bring food and PPE to all hard-hit communities across NYC. We have been distributing over 6 million pounds of produce, including meat and milk, to Brownsville, Sunset Park, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Jamaica, Elmhurst, Flushing, Chinatown, the Lower East Side, Midtown, Washington Heights, Harlem, and the South Bronx. Actions from our community of diverse and compassionate volunteers will bridge the love for one another and stamp out hate and violence,” said Donald Hong, President of UA3, Inc.

“We call on Mayor de Blasio and the city officials to ensure the victims and families of the victims are well supported, and for our community members to denounce hatred and discrimination, to support neighborhood efforts that will strengthen the protection of our community, as well as to ensure proper care and support are provided to victims and their families. Please care for one another as you would for your brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents. On behalf of UA3, we send our best wishes and hope for a full, speedy recovery to all the victims.”

UA3 calls for solidarity against hate and for action from elected officials to provide additional support and protection to the AAPI community.

If you, your family members, or someone you know have experienced xenophobia, discrimination, or harassment, the release asked that the incident be reported by calling 212-416-0197. If you are a victim of or witness a hate crime, call 911.

About UA3

UA3, Inc., founded in 2015, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to make a positive impact and lasting improvements in the underserved segments of our communities through youth empowerment, education, and the promotion of health and mental health; to support the creation of socio-economic opportunities; and to channel needed resources for the betterment of those in need. As Chinatown’s first food pantry, UA3 started out serving 500 residents a week and, thanks to many community partnerships, had grown to serve up to 11,000 New Yorkers a week at 10 locations when this release was issued.