Photo by Luckisurf via Wikimedia Commons
Shortly after six Asian women were killed in the Atlanta spa shootings, Carolyn Kang began a Gofundme campaign to give free personal safety alarms for AAPI residents in New York City. In less than a week, Kang managed to raise over $2,000, Patch reports.
“As a native New Yorker, I was appalled when the pandemic began to see the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes that was happening,” Kang told Pix 11. “The idea is if someone is coming to attack you it will discourage the attacker or notify bystanders and draw attention.”
Kang has experienced discrimination herself. Last year, Kang says she was verbally assaulted by a man who approached her on the subway at night. The man allegedly began screaming that, “the Chinese people are effing ruining this country” and using racial slurs against her.
“[The safety alarm is] not perfect, but I feel a little more protected walking down the street at night,” Kang said. “This can make a tangible difference in helping our AAPI community feel a little safer.”
If you would like to request a free safety alarm you can email [email protected]. You can donate to Kang’s Gofundme here. Senior community centers and pharmacies in Chinatown and Flushing will receive a portion of the proceeds.
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