Gatherers assembled at Tom McCall waterfront park as a show of strength in the face of recent violence against Asian Americans. Tanner Todd/The Oregonian
Gatherers assembled at Tom McCall waterfront park as a show of strength in the face of recent violence against Asian Americans. Tanner Todd/The Oregonian
By Tanner Todd | The Oregonian/OregonLive
United Chinese Americans Chairman Hardy Li stood before a crowd of about 100 people at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the shoulders of his jacket streaked with rain.
“America is a nation of immigrants, it’s a nation of immigration,” Li said into the microphone as onlookers waved orange and white signs that decried racist discrimination.
“We deserve what every single American deserves,” Li said. “We are here to stand against any hate.”
United Chinese Americans was one of over a dozen of Portland’s Asian American community organizations gathered at Waterfront Park Saturday afternoon in solidarity.
In a statement, the community groups said they organized in response to a series of violent attacks against Asian American citizens in Portland, including a recent attack against 73-year-old Xinmin Liang on the Eastbank Esplanade.
Dozens of demonstrators gathered on the waterfront despite intermittent rain and wind, many carrying orange signs that read, “Say no to anti-Asian violence.”
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran and Portland Police Deputy Chief Mike Frome attended the event.
“We take this very seriously,” Schmidt said when he was invited to speak before the crowd. “Hate crimes tear at the fabric of our society. They’re horrible and traumatic events for victims and their loved ones.”
He also spoke about the newly-created hate crimes prosecutor position, as well as a full- time hate crimes investigator.
“These positions are about ensuring we have the resources needed to build cases, secure justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable,” Schmidt said.
Jia Liang, Xinmin Liang’s daughter, also made an appearance.
“I truly appreciate all the Portlanders who reached out to us,” Liang said.
Iris Zhao, program director of the Chinese Friendship Association of Portland, was careful to clarify the purpose of Saturday’s event.
“Today’s gathering is not a protest, but a unifying moment in this beautiful park, affirming our role as pivotal members of this city,” she said.
— Tanner Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com, or 503-221-4313.
