The Community Board in New York City has voted to rename a street Danny Chen Way, in honor of the Chinese American soldier who killed himself in Afghanistan after being the target of military hazing, reports NY1.
As AsAmNews first reported June 3, supporters say co-naming part of Elizabeth Street after Chen would be a lasting legacy to Chen and a strong message that military and racial hazing will not be tolerated.
“I’m here, my son is sacrificed, hoping co-naming my son’s name on Elizabeth Street is a reminder of what happened to him, and will not happen to other families,” Danny’s mother Su Zhen Chen said.
Several Asian American groups have joined in the effort.
“Discrimination and hazing and violence are very prevalent across Asian American communities,” said Meredith Higashi of the Asian American Justice Center. “This isn’t just including the military, but in schools, we see it.”
The full board must still vote to pass the measure onto the City Council. You can read more from Danny’s mother in NY1.
