The troubling wave of violence against Asian Americans across the country has prompted hundreds of volunteers to protect the elderly by escorting them through neighborhoods in Northern California. More than 3, hate incidents directed at Asian Americans nationwide have been recorded since the pandemic began, with many aimed at the elderly.
Recently reported attacks include a man pouring acid on a woman in New York City and a year-old being slashed with a box cutter. An year-old man died after he was shoved to the ground in San Francisco. Devastated by the violence, Jess Owyoung, a Bay Area native and fourth-generation Chinese American, decided to take action. Owyoung reached out to Jacob Azevedo after he published an Instagram post offering to escort anyone in Oakland's Chinatown neighborhood to help them feel safe.
The post inspired hundreds to reach out, sharing the same desire to support the community. Together, Owyoung, Azevedo and four others founded Compassion in Oakland in February, an organization that pairs volunteer chaperones with elderly Asian Americans who may feel unsafe going on walks or running errands. The group also helps write police reports and provides translation assistance when necessary. Within days, they had nearly people ready to join. Now, more than volunteers have signed up.
The group is working to grow new chapters nationwide and hopes to serve more communities. We really just want to bring unity," Owyoung said. Owyoung said seeing people who look like relatives and loved ones getting attacked was "heartbreaking" — but it compelled her to act. That's deeply ingrained in our culture. So, it's almost like a denying of self to actually take action. But I think that everyone has the power to speak up and they have the right to do so," she said.
I can do something about it. If I don't, maybe nobody else will. Compassion in Oakland asks that all volunteers provide a negative COVID test before registering, and to regularly get tested for the virus. Kulkarni said former President Trump's rhetoric contributed to the problem and "put people in harm's way. Last month, President Biden signed an executive order that condemned racism, xenophobia and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Owyoung said volunteers at Compassion in Oakland come from all racial backgrounds, cultures and ages.
