Protect AAPI Heritage, Stop Asian Hate
What’s Happening
On April 29th, 71-year-old Vietnam War veteran and professor at East Los Angeles College, Aki Maehara, was hit with a vehicle in a racially motivated hate crime.
“Racial violence and fascist violence is part of the American identity, part of American culture,” Maehara said.
Rise in Hate
According to L.A. County’s most recent report on hate crimes, there has been a 31% increase in anti-Asian crimes in 2023.
Even with the rise in hate, Professor Maehara’s case was not taken seriously. According to Maehara, key information was missing from the initial report, which led to a lack of faith in the investigation and he turned to a coalition of attorneys, activists, and supporters from LA’s Asian American community.
Not only was Professor Maehara hit by a vehicle, suspects shouted racial slurs at him before driving away. He suffered a concussion and injuries to his neck, chest, ribs, hips and elbow from the attack.
Our Statement
We are outraged by the brutal attack on Professor Aki Maehara - a respected educator and elder in our community. This was not just violence - it was a hate crime.
The CPHB together with CAIR-California stand in full solidarity with Professor Maehara and the Asian American community. We call on law enforcement to investigate this as a hate crime and for community leaders to take real, structural action to prevent future attacks.
This is just another reminder that unity amongst all communities and not division need to prevail. For hate against any community is a threat that seeks to divide us all.
Take Action
Hate is on the rise. Educate and advocate yourself.
Explore these AAPI-led organizations doing powerful work year-round:
If you face hate or discrimination, report the incident to CAIR-CA or one of the organizations above.
