Montrealers gather to denounce anti-Asian racism after Atlanta spa attacks
Posted March 21, 2021 5:08 pm.
Last Updated March 21, 2021 7:01 pm.
MONTREAL (CityNews) — Hundreds of Montrealers took to the streets Sunday afternoon to denounce what they see as a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes since the beginning of pandemic.
Protesters demanded the Quebec government recognize that systemic racism exists in the province.
“Some are still afraid to go out not just because of the virus,” said protest organizer May Chiu, also a member of Progressive Chinese of Quebec. “They are afraid to go out whether it’s in the metro, or in line at Costco shopping for groceries, going to school, etc.”
Hundreds gather to march in downtown Montreal to denounce anti-Asian racism. Organizers say they’re stunned by the number of people that showed up. More at 6pm! @CityNewsMTL pic.twitter.com/SoUFwLJ6n9
— Melina Giubilaro (@MelinaCityNews) March 21, 2021
Last March, Montreal’s Chinatown was hit with a wave of vandalism affecting several sites, prompting police to treat these incidents as potential hate crimes.
Sunday’s march quickly turned political with the appearance of Quebec’s newly appointed minister responsible for fighting racism. Benoit Charette has repeatedly said he does not believe systemic racism exists in the province.
“We have to denounce all acts of racism, so we are there to show solidarity from the government,” he said.
Several called on Charrette to acknowledge the word ‘systemic.’
For many attending the march, their new reality has been one of fear.
A 15-year-old girl, Lucy, said she has even resorted to carrying a small knife in her pocket at school.
“I’m afraid someone will attack me cause I look Asian, I am Asian,” said Lucy. “I’m very afraid.”
Credit: CITYNEWS/Melina Giubilaro
And she’s not alone.
“I do watch myself,” said Chiu. “Let’s put it that way. I watch where I go and I try to not be alone most of the time.
“I would be so scared if one of my grandparents or family members get hurt by this. I think five years ago my grandpa got assaulted outside Chinatown where their Asian community is. If they are not safe there, they are not safe anywhere.”
