NEW ORLEANS — Mayor Cantrell today issued the following statement on violence and racism against the Asian American community:

“Violence and racism cannot be tolerated in any form,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We would not be New Orleans without our vibrant Vietnamese American and Asian American Pacific Islander brothers and sisters. To our AAPI community here and across the country, we see you pain and frustration and we promise to show up for you. I speak for the City of New Orleans when I say we will not stand for the objectification, discrimination, and hatred towards the AAPI community and all communities of color. I want to thank our residents for personally reaching out to me to express their concerns – I hear you and I stand with you. Our love and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the Atlanta area this week.”

“This recent attack highlights the disturbing and dramatic increase of hate crimes, violence, and harassment against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders over the past year. Specifically, our administration recognizes the intersections of racism and misogyny in the violence that took place. Response are further revealing the dangerous and pervasive anti-sex work sentiments in our country,” noted the Director of the Office of Human Rights and Equity, Eliza Kauffman. This administration is committed to fighting racism, discrimination, violence, and intolerance in all forms.”

“The spike in violence against the AAPI community has hit home in my community, and my family,” said Councilmember Cyndi Nguyen. “As the first Vietnamese-American member of the New Orleans City Council, and a representative of constituents of many nationalities, I want to be clear. We are not shaken, we are resolute in our determination to end hate and race or nationality-related violence in all forms against all people. Hate and violence are not welcome in our city.”