DENVER — Members of Denver's Asian community join with local government leaders in two events Saturday in response to this week's Atlanta spa shooting.
A press conference and vigil will call for an end to racism and violence, honor the victims in the Atlanta spa shooting and shed light on the increase in violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
It started at 11 a.m. at the Denver Viet Nam War Memorial with leaders from the Asian community and City of Denver leaders.
The group paid tribute to the victims in the Atlanta spa shooting. The incident spotlights the increase in hate crimes being reported in Asian communities across the country. Local leaders fear there are likely more incidents going un-reported and are encouraging all if they see something to say something.
Community leader Neal Walia addressed the crowd in the parking on Saturday. He stressed action will be taken to denounce hate in Denver.
"To my AAPI family, take the time you need for yourselves and your communities," he said. "The time will come for us to mobilize, craft solutions and show this country just how resilient, just how strong and just how united we are in this fight for racial justice and equality, and I promise you we will fight."
The candlelight starts later at 6 p.m. Saturday in Denver's Chinatown, which thrived until 1880 when a violent, racist mob destroyed the community and killed one man.
Coloradan Laura Dennison will be one of the speakers at the vigil. She hopes the event sheds light on some of the issues Asian Americans have been dealing with for years.
"I’m relieved that people are finally doing their due justice and standing up for the right cause," she said. "I’ve very hopeful that we are starting to come to realizations as a society and that one day we can finally not only end racism but finally support and love each other as the community should."
Bring a candle to the event if possible, but some will be on hand, said the post. It will be socially distanced, and masks are required.
Due to false accusations surrounding Denver's Chinatown, many Denver locals refer to the area as 'Hop Valley,' ignoring the history.
Speakers for the night will be made up of mostly Asian women who will share their experiences and steps to curb the violence in the community.
RELATED: 'More than ever, we should speak up now' | Communities come together to denounce anti-Asian hate
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