‘United for Compassion’ in Japantown Peace Plaza

SAN FRANCISCO — “United for Compassion: A J-Town Community Gathering Against Hate” will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m. at Japantown Peace Plaza, Post and Buchanan streets in San Francisco.

The event is presented by the Bay Area Day of Remembrance Consortium and sponsored by the San Francisco chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, Nichi Bei Foundation, Japanese Community Youth Council, Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, and Nakayoshi Young Professionals in order to address the hateful rhetoric of the presidential election, and to show solidarity with segments of communities now being targeted nationwide by incidents of hate.

“Since and before the elections, there has been a rise in incidents of hate throughout the country, which appear to be emboldened by the misogynistic, xenophobic and racist rhetoric of the Trump campaign,” organizers said. “The Southern Poverty Law Center, to date, has documented more than 430 incidents since the elections alone, including physical assaults and racist vandalism.

“As a community that knows all too well the effects of wartime hysteria, racial prejudice and the failure of political leadership, the Japanese American community responds, using our own experience as a stark reminder of the effects of the deprivation of civil liberties.

“In a show of unity with targeted communities — including Muslims, Arab Americans, immigrants, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, LGBTQ persons, Native Americans and women — the Japanese American and Japantown community is taking a clear and unequivocal stand against hate, while addressing the fear that has shrouded our communities.”

The public is invited to attend. The event will feature a candlelight vigil, multicultural and youth speakers, resources to report incidents of hate, and a Wall of Compassion where people can post messages of support and affirmation.