ABOVE: Ladue Horton Watkins High School students hold signs adovcating for the end of violence against AAPI. People of all races and genders attended. “As a society, we need to come together to support people of all kinds,” Bian said. (Photo courtesy of Kathy Bian) LEFT: Kathy Bian yells through a bullhorn at a protest Saturday April 10. Bian organized the movement following the increase in hate and violence against AAPI since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Anti-Asian violence is more apparent now than ever,” Bian said. “I feel I need to be the one to speak out.” (Photo courtesy of Kathy Bian)
BIAN TAKES ACTION Sophomore Kathy Bian advocates to eliminate violence against AAPI MAX EASTMAN staff writer
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s sophomore Kathy Bian walks back and forth in front of the protesters and the colorful display of signs, she coerces a loud symphony of cheers from the cars gathered at the stoplight. The cacophony of support causes the protesters to double down on their chants and Bian to yell, “Honk if you support Asian Americans!” Bian organized a protest April 10 to combat the recent surge of violence Islanders (AAPI) in the U.S. “In my opinion, the Atlanta shootings were the breaking point,” Bian said. “Elders were getting attacked, people of all other ages in schools were getting discriminated against and it wasn’t really getting reported or talked about...I saw my family through those women [who were killed].” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian violence has increased drastically in the U.S. The
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directed towards Asian Americans while managing Golden House Chop Suey, a Chinese American restaurant. “One day my mom was serving a customer,” Bian said. “The customer said, ‘Are you happy now that your people spread the virus to America?’” This instance motivated Bian to support the AAPI community. Although she never organized a protest in her life, she arranged a demonstration that included over 20 people and reached a large audience through social media. Sophomore Allen You was moved by how many people attended. “There were quite a few people who were willing to devote their time to protest,” You said. “People don’t understand the importance of showing up to things. Just your physical presence can have a huge impact.” Throughout the demonstration,
said. “She said it was time to pass around the bullhorn...I would yell ‘Honking is free!’ and ‘Honk if you support Asian lives!’” The protest culminated with a speech from Bian. People around her, lence, were inspired by her words. “I’ve known Kathy since elementary school, so when she gave her speech, it was very emotional,” sophomore Mate Daus said. “I could never experience the things she has had to go through. It’s something you don’t really realize if you aren’t going through it.” Overall, the protest demonstrated how a tight knit community can support itself. It showed how people from all walks of life can band together when important issues arise. “[My favorite part was how] all the
with the protesters, including being part of something larger than themselves or getting to lead a chant. “My favorite moment was when Kathy’s voice was running out while we were holding up our signs,” You
wasn’t just Asian people...there were so it felt like a family. I was glad to have support, so hearing chants from backgrounds made me very happy.” 05.10.21
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