Rally to stop Asian racism planned for Penticton’s Gyro Park this weekend

Penticton and South Okanagan residents are being asked to come together in a rally to stop Asian racism this weekend.

The StopAsianHate rally is planned to take place between 2 and 3 p.m., Sunday, March 28 at Gyro Park in Penticton.

Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association president Ling Fu is leading the event with UBCO student Mena Wang acting as master of ceremonies.

The rally will honour those lost in the recent mass shooting in Atlanta.

Speakers will include members of the Chinese, Punjabi and First Nations communities.

Political dignitaries include South Okanagan – West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings, Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki, Summerland Mayor Toni Boot and Peachland Mayor Cindy Fortin.

Police forces across the country reported an increase in hate crimes that have been directed largely at Asian Canadians in 2020, while Vancouver police reported a 717 per cent increase in hate crimes targeting Asian Canadians.

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