Text & Photos by Angela Yip
Released domestic violence survivor Nan-Hui Jo and supporters gathered on the steps of San Francisco’s City Hall Wednesday celebrating her recent victory and remembering that her struggle is not over.
Nan-Hui addressed the crowd, describing how much she missed her daughter, expressing gratitude to all her supporters, and emphasizing that her situation is not unique. As she fought back tears, many in attendance who had fought passionately along with Nan-Hui became teary as well.
“The campaign really helped me to feel like I wasn’t alone…,” she said, “I hope in my future I can do more to help women who’ve faced domestic violence like me.”
Yesterday would have marked the one-year anniversary of Nan-Hui Jo’s ICE detention in Yuba County, CA jail. Twelve days ago on July 17th, organizers of the Stand with Nan-Hui Campaign and allies rejoiced when Nan-Hui was released on bond.Speakers from various Asian American and domestic violence organizations as well as Nan-Hui’s lawyers pronounced a unified message about the need to break down what they see as unjust criminal and immigration systems that impact Nan-Hui’s case and others like her.
“All domestic violence survivors deserve safety and justice, regardless of immigration status,” one organizer stated.
Also in attendance was Rosa Martinez, a fellow domestic violence survivor and mother who was recently released from ICE detention.
“Because of you I’m here now and I ask you to continue in this fight,” Rosa told the crowd after the press conference.
Speakers also remembered Marissa Alexander and Kelly Savage, two further examples, they said, of domestic violence survivors whom the criminal justice system had failed. The ACLU reports that of all incarcerated women in the United States, 85-90% have a history of domestic and sexual abuse.
While Nan-Hui is now released from incarceration, she still battles criminal, immigration, and family court cases and is still at risk for deportation. California Attorney General Kamala Harris has the power to overturn Nan-Hui’s criminal conviction, should she decide to review the case, which would improve the chances that Nan-Hui would be allowed to remain in the United States and stay with her young daughter.
“I will do anything to see my daughter again,” said Jo.
Organizers of the press conference encouraged attendees to call or email Harris’s office and urge the Attorney General to hear Nan-Hui’s case and overturn her conviction.
Following a news conference, attendees led by Korean drumming group Ieumsae crossed the street to chant outside the building of Attorney General Kamala Harris’s office, sing healing songs, perform spoken word, and join in a powerful tradition known as the “unity clap.”
Nan-Hui’s first deportation hearing was scheduled for July 20 in San Francisco. Organizers mobilized to pack the courtroom and show support for her case, however, the hearing was postponed and a new date has not yet been announced.
Organizations in attendance included the SF Chinese Progressive Association, CPA Youth MOJO, ASPIRE, Asian Law Caucus, KACEDA – Korean American Coalition to End Domestic Violence, Asian Women’s Center, and Mujeres Unidas y Activas.
Keep up to date with Nan-Hui’s case at http://standwithnanhui.org/ and share support on social media with the hashtags #StandwithNanHui #Not1more #WeSurvived
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