Noah Braunstein
The past year has seen a series of tumultuous events as our nation grappled with issues of identity and tolerance, events that manifested themselves through contentious politics, hate crimes, and pandemic-fueled racism and xenophobia.
As a young person in high school, I strive to channel my education and efforts toward a path where I can contribute to a cohesive and accepting nation that is tolerant and inclusive of all.
I have been inspired by the many months of celebration, such as Black History Month, Women's History Month, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, LGBTQ Pride Month, and others.
But there is one event in the midst of the recent rallies that strikes me as an inspiration that embraces inclusion for all, and an opportunity for all marginalized communities to come together, working through Unity towards a tolerant nation that embraces rights, safety and opportunity for all. It is a tribute to this movement, Communities Unitedthat my story acknowledges the recent May 15, 2021 rally proclaimed "Communities United Day" by the cities of San Mateo County. This is a recap of this significant event.
Billy Pollina stood on the wet grass of San Mateo's Central Park and looked out at some 300 people gathered on an overcast Saturday morning. The energy of the crowd - of all ages and ethnicities - easily cut through the weather. Their determination was clear: to unite against hate and injustice.
"While planning with Millbrae Councilman Anders Fung and community organizer Anthony Leung how to promote #StopAsianHate's efforts," said Pollina, a film producer and community activist, "I remembered the 2009 grassroots LGBTQ+ fight for marriage equality and how we were successful with the support of allies from other marginalized communities. That's when the idea for Communities United ".
Fung, Leung, Pollina and student leaders collaborated with the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) to produce the May 15 Communities United event to highlight violence against Asians and inspire a united front against discrimination and hate.
Last year there was a dramatic increase in discrimination against the Asians, with more than 3,800 reports of violence across the country. These incidents have prompted national concern and a range of responses, from local acts of "social protest" to "social protest"."Stop Asian Hate"" until anti-Asian American hate crime legislation signed into law by President Biden on May 20.
"This rally was an event that we wanted to organize because we wanted to be inclusive. We wanted to do something that was a little bit different from all the other rallies and events that were being held," Leung said.
The Communities United rally featured an impressive array of speakers and public officials supporting the issue of inclusion, including Congresswoman Jackie Speier, California Deputy Attorney General Eric Chang, State Senator Josh Becker, and numerous regional and local officials.
Speakers highlighted both Asian solidarity against discrimination and the need for marginalized communities to come together to support each other.
Speakers told the stories of their families who immigrated to the United States, personal stories of encounters with injustice, and stories of loving and caring in the face of hate.
David Campos, vice chair of the California Democratic Party, described his story as an immigrant, and then reflected on the need for everyone to speak out against discrimination and injustice.
"The American dream is very powerful but very fragile. During the Nazi movement, many people kept silent and held back. When you see an injustice against one person, make sure you raise your voice because injustice against one is an injustice against all of us," Campos said.
Campos' words about injustices were amplified by San Carlos Mayor Laura Parmer-Lohan. She spoke about her experience as one of seven women who have served on the San Carlos Council and also spoke passionately about her experience fighting for rights with a same-sex couple.
"My story is one of unity and love, and advocacy for what we can accomplish together when those from marginalized communities come together," Parmer-Lohan said.
California Deputy Attorney General Eric Chang then described the challenges his parents faced as immigrants. He challenged the crowd to lead the world by setting positive examples.
"It's time to let go of the old past and move on to something new. Here in the Bay Area, our ideas are often more than just ideas. Our ideas can change entire industries. Our ideas can change the world. Let's lead by example: vote, unite, change the world," said Chang.
Cheerleaders kept the crowd enthusiastic, as did chants from the crowd led by student organizers, including Mills High School's Lilian Chang, Aragon High School's Grace Xia, and Notre Dame High School's Lauren Fitzgerald. Pointing to the audience, the three young activists had the crowd chanting "Don't give up the fight! Get your rights.
State Senator Josh Becker didn't lose sight of the power of youth organizers at this event.
"From the cities of Millbrae, Palo Alto or San Carlos, it's been youth-led, and that's the most exciting thing," Becker said.
Leung, who acted as master of ceremonies for the event, gave some advice to the audience, which included many students and young people.
"The thing to do is to expose yourself. For some, it's being an activist. For some, it's working in politics. And for others, it's donating their time and effort to get involved in their communities," Leung said.
The event concluded with all 20 San Mateo County cities adopting a proclamation to make May 15 "Communities Unite Day.
Organizers are optimistic about future United Communities events. Leung described the group's plans to achieve nonprofit status, and Pollina discussed plans for growth.
"We are exploring reforms and improvements in health care, housing, equal rights, prison reform, better law enforcement relations with the broader community, and financial equity," Pollina said.
Xia encouraged everyone to learn about the upcoming efforts: "Anyone is welcome to join.
Although it was born out of recent troubling events of violence, Communities United is ready to create change for a better and more just world.
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