Torrance rally marking one month since anti-Asian attack calls for justice

"Justice Delayed is Justice Denied"

150 participants attended a rally to mark one month since Lena Hernandez was caught harassing an Asian woman who was exercising in a park in Torrance.

“Get the fuck out of the state,” Hernandez had said to an Asian exerciser at the park. “Go back to whatever fucking Asian country you belong in.”

Hernandez was also caught on camera in another incident involving an Asian American man who visited the park with his children on the same day.

The racist woman who harassed Asians in Torrance has been arrested for a separate crime but was subsequently released on a $1 bail.

On Saturday 11 July, participants gathered in the park demanding justice.

Many were seen wearing black on the day as well as appropriate face masks to protect against Coronavirus.

“Justice Delayed is Justice Denied,” was the message printed on T-shirts and banners.

“What started off as acts of hate and racism brought the community together,” said Sandy Roxas, a lawyer representing the victims pro bono, said about the event.

Protesters attending the rally called for local authorities to pursue charges against Hernandez, who was not charged for either racist incident.

“The ugly and racist actions of one individual [have] highlighted the greatness in coming together for a certain cause, in this case, fighting racism and xenophobia,” Roxas said.

“We know that we are not alone. We know that together, our unified voices can be heard. And now the world knows that we will not tolerate racism and stay silent.”

In other news, a New Jersey police chief has stepped down after making racist and sexist comments towards an Asian American prosecutor.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

What started off as acts of hate and racism brought the community together. I was overwhelmed with all the love and support from my friends, family, media, and the community partners. I would like to thank the volunteer trainers who led the rally/workout under the hot California sun (wearing black- because who wears black in California?!) The event would not have been successful if it weren’t for the volunteers. Lastly, thank you to the victims for having the courage to stand up against racism and xenophobia. It’s been a pleasure serving you. You have served as an inspiration to us all. @kayceelynsalminao @sweatwithsherryberry @jo_lanuzamorales @donnyfaaliliu @kacywatanabe @savage.life.training @bristy_ymg @cardiovybe @ktla5news @tayo_news @balitangameric@mayleeshow #roxaslaw #attorney #sweatoutthehate #torrance #wilsonpark #workout #protest #justicedelayedisjusticedenied

A post shared by Attorney Sandy K. Roxas (@roxaslaw) on Jul 15, 2020 at 6:52am PDT