KAAGNY, 100 Suits, and Leaders from Southeast Queens Rally in Jamaica, Queens to Denounce Anti-Asian Hate
On March 25, community leaders and local elected officials gathered in Jamaica, Queens for a Solidarity Event to denounce the surge of anti-Asian attacks and violence. The rally was organized by Kevin Livingston, the Founder and President of 100 Suits, in conjunction with KAAGNY, leaders from Southeast Queens, and allies. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and Former Borough President Sharon Lee were also in attendance.
"Enough is enough, and I stand in solidarity with the Asian community," Mr. Livingston said. "We must continue to combat hate because there is not room for it in New York City, especially not in Jamaica, Queens."
The location of the rally has additional significance as a site where Black and Korean communities have worked through conflict and built solidarity. The rally took place in front of Feel Beauty, where last summer 100 Suits had planned a protest of the Korean-owned beauty supply store (citing community apathy and lack of communication as the reasons for demonstrating.) With the mediation of KAAGNY and local elected officials, they were able to come to an agreement to continuously work towards fostering better relations between local businesses and the communities they serve -- by hiring within the Black community and giving back to community groups that empower disenfranchised youth.
