For Immediate Release: March 23, 2021
On March 23, the Alexandria City Council unanimously adopted a resolution condemning hate, scapegoating and violence directed at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The resolution affirms the City of Alexandria’s commitment to actively combating racism, achieving racial and social equity, and protecting its vulnerable residents.
"Alexandria is a diverse, culturally rich community,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. “We celebrate our diversity and affirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the human rights of all our residents. We deplore the acts of hate that have occurred against people of Asian descent. Our hearts go out to the victims of violence, their families, and to all who have suffered due to these racist attacks.”
The resolution highlights the significant contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to Alexandria’s cultural, educational and economic fabric. It condemns the acts of violence and harassment that have increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, including efforts to scapegoat people of Asian descent for the virus. The recent rise in hate crimes includes assaults, slashings, and deaths in communities across the United States, including the recent murders of eight people, including six Asian women, in the Atlanta area.
The resolution aligns with an Executive Memorandum from President Joseph R. Biden Jr. that directs the federal government to condemn and combat racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. City Council’s resolution also reflects the City’s “ALL Alexandria” commitment, which centers on race and how it intersects with other areas of inequity. This includes all races, religions, countries of origin, sexual orientations, ages, genders and abilities. The goal of ALL Alexandria is to reduce and eliminate disparities and inequities experienced by all people, especially those in communities of color and other groups who have been historically and systemically marginalized.
Persons who believe they have been victims of a hate crime or have witnessed a hate crime are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Rights at 703.746.3140 for assistance. Visit alexandriava.gov/HumanRights for more information.
If you are involved in or witness a life-threatening situation, always call or text 911.
For media inquiries only, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3959, Virginia Relay 711.
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