'Stop Asian Hate' March In Tulsa Calls For End To Violence Against Asian Americans

More than 250 people gathered Friday to call for an end to violence against Asian Americans, as an alarming number of crimes committed against them is reported around the country.

The two-hour “Stop Asian Hate” March, which started at Center of the Universe and ended at Guthrie Green, was all peaceful.

Organizers said their goals were to share Asian Americans’ stories and discuss how to make our community more inclusive.

Before the march, six speakers shared their hopes and fears.

"I am retraumatized again and again and again," said one speaker.

Their goal is to empower.

"You have a name, and you are a soul worthy of dignity and value, a soul who has inherent worth regardless of what has happened to you," said another speaker.

Joon Park, a Korean American, flew in from Florida to raise awareness.

"One, not be silent about it anymore, and two, also spotlight the actual hate crimes that are happening, have more coverage, more stories shared to humanize who we are," said Park.

The group marched from Center of the Universe to Guthrie Green while holding signs that read:

"It's my time to protect you, mom."

"Racism is a virus."

"I still believe in our city."

"We belong here."

"Stop the hate."

Brittany Dias brought her eight-year-old daughter Aria, who is Native American and Filipino.

"As humans, we should do our part to try to make the world a better place, and that means helping each other," said Dias.

"We should be kind to each other and never treat people (sic) and never kill people," said Aria.

Co-organizer Jade Nguyen, a Vietnamese American, said the turnout makes her proud to call Tulsa home.

"It's really wonderful how easily something, unfortunately, something so tragic, is able to bring people together," said Nguyen.

Organizers said they are discussing whether to set up an official organization in our community to focus on the movement and upcoming events.