The InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit was shocked and saddened by the shootings of seven Asian Americans in Atlanta last week. This horrific event was the most violent recent incident, but there have been many verbal and physical assaults against Asian Americans throughout the U.S. during the past year.
Our local Asian American and Pacific Islander community is frightened. While Euro-Americans may have forgotten, Asian Americans have not forgotten the murder of Vincent Chin here in Detroit during another period of anti-Asian bigotry.
Hate speech is unacceptable and violence against others because of their religion, ethnicity or race is unconscionable. Every major religion teaches the dignity of each individual and the value of human life. We call on all Americans to speak out against bigotry and violence against people of all backgrounds.