(MINEOLA, N.Y.) - In response to an alarming increase in bias incidents and violence against Asian Americans, Nassau County Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum (D - Great Neck) proudly supported “Stand Up to Hate,” a rally that drew hundreds to the front steps of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building.
“At a time when Asian Americans across our nation are living with heightened fears about targeted, violent bigotry against their community, we have a responsibility to exclaim, in one voice, that we will stand up to hateful words and actions wherever they may occur,” Legislator Birnbaum said. “I was especially heartened to see such overwhelming support for a rally dedicated to conquering hatred in our County and our region.”
Organized by Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (Woodbury) in partnership with Gordon Zhang, President of the Long Island Chinese American Association and Farrah Mozawalla, Executive Director of Nassau County’s Office of Asian American Affairs, “Stand Up To Hate” was co-sponsored by more than 50 community organizations.
The diverse slate of speakers included Tracey Edwards, Long Island Regional Director of the NAACP, Dr. Isma Chaudhry, Spokesperson and Past President, Islamic Center of Long Island, Eric Post, Long Island Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee, Andrea Bolender, Chair of the Board, Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, and Dr. Asiah Mason, CEO, Mill Neck Family of Organizations, which provided American Sign Language interpreters.
In addition, the rally was attended by elected leaders including Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, U.S. Congressman Thomas Suozzi, multiple members of the New York State Senate and Assembly members and North Hempstead Town Clerk Wayne Wink.
PHOTO CAPTION (TOP) - Legislator Birnbaum, pictured with Peter Gong of the Lakeville Estates Civic Association, on the steps of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building on Sunday, March 14.
PHOTO CAPTION (BOTTOM) - Hundreds attended “Stand Up To Hate,” a rally that gained the support of more than 50 community organizations and scores of elected officials.
PHOTO CREDIT - Office of Legislator Ellen W. Birnbaum