NYC eateries speak out against anti-Asian violence

Asian and Asian-American restaurateurs and advocacy groups in New York City are bringing awareness to the wave of violence they have been experiencing for the past year by spearheading events like the AAPI Rally Against Hate and hope other communities will be moved to join them in combating this racism as well. “I think it’s important, as New Yorkers and Americans, to know that there are ways to combat what is happening, whether it is lobbying elected leaders or supporting businesses so they can pay for better lighting and pay their employees such that closing at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. is still feasible,” said Pearl River Mart owner Joanne Kwong, referring to restaurants closing earlier for safety reasons. “Even just a kind word or a supportive message means a lot, because for months and months, especially during the pandemic, it was something that was just ignored.”