Following COVID-19 lockdowns, a sense of dread crept into my conscience. Beyond the impact of the virus itself, I anticipated anti-Asian sentiment would manifest due to the believed origin of the outbreak. My fears became reality, as vicious attacks against my fellow Asian-Americans became regular occurrences, frequently targeting our elders. Even as we collectively emerge from the pandemic, such attacks remain a source of concern and pain in NYC and beyond. After insisting my own 82 year old mother not leave the protection of her house for over a year due to COVID, I added the threat of violence to her reasons to remain home. When people ask how Asian hate has most impacted me, fear of harm coming to her is what I mention. Especially following the Atlanta shootings in March, I was overcome by sadness and emotional exhaustion. As a Chinese-American woman, I had become a target. A disconcerting sense of unrest is now my norm. On the streets, I look over my shoulder, pepper spray in hand. The country my grandparents struggled to make their home a century ago has become a source of another struggle two generations later. Yet hope perseveres. Building on the momentum of BLM, the Stop Asian Hate movement is where I seek solace. Newly empowered to speak out and support fellow community members, I again find myself in search of portraits and street scenes embodying strength, resilience, and optimism – to help inspire critical conversations and actions, rooted in empathy and tolerance.

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