MBA Statement on Condemning Anti-Asian Violence
The Multnomah Bar Association (MBA) condemns the recent incidents of anti-Asian violence and harassment in Oregon and across our nation. As supporters of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, we ask our members to stand with us and speak out to stop this wave of anti-Asian racism and violence. All members of our community should feel safe and heard.
The most recent attack, on March 16, 2021, in which a gunman entered multiple businesses in Atlanta, Georgia and opened fire on their predominantly Asian American workforce left eight dead, including six Asian American women. The MBA is devastated by the violence in Georgia and grieves for the victims, their loved ones, and all those impacted. This attack comes at a time when violence and discrimination towards the Asian American Pacific Islander community continues to escalate across the country. Just earlier this month in Oregon, an Asian American female student at Willamette University was physically and verbally attacked while on her way to the grocery store - in broad daylight. Many Asian-owned businesses have been vandalized in our community and elderly Asian Americans are being attacked across the country.
While further details of the Georgia murders are still forthcoming, reflecting on this latest tragedy and the many before it, we stand in solidarity with our Asian American Pacific Islander community whose sense of safety and belonging has been shattered. These horrifying acts of violence demonstrate how hateful and racist rhetoric, misinformation, and bias by the media and elected officials can both incite violence and endanger the safety and livelihood of community members.
If you or someone you know is looking for help or is looking to provide support, here are some resources:
https://stopaapihate.org/
https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/
https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/
Also, please consider supporting APANO, OAPABA, OFALA, and SABA in their panel discussion on March 24, at 5:30pm, “The Enduring Hate Against AAPIs.” You can find more information here.
We encourage you to read statements being issued by the affinity bars and our local organizations:
Statement by OAPABA & OFALA
Statement by APANO
Statement by OWLS
Statement by OMLA
Statement by Oregon Commission of Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
Statement by OHBA
Statement by OC-NBA
If you have any questions or comments, please email them to mba@mbabar.org. Please see our front page article in the April Multnomah Lawyer for more thoughts on how we can seek a collective vision for equity for all.
Be safe and be well.
Sincerely,
The Multnomah Bar Association Board of Directors
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