CONTACT: Nayoung Ha | nha [at] hanacenter.org
HANA Center, the National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC) and KRC are in solidarity with Jussie Smollett and all impacted communities who have survived hate crimes. Like so many members of our community, we are disturbed and outraged by the recent assault and vicious hate crime against Mr. Smollett in Chicago, which was reportedly perpetrated by two white men yelling "This is MAGA country."
This is a crime that reflects the deep hate and racism in our country led by "MAGA" ideology. Time and again, this line of belief has proven to be hurtful, and intentionally dehumanizing, and it continues to threaten innocent lives. The perpetrators mimicked a lynching, and targeted a black, gay, male artist. It's unacceptable, and we won't stand for it.
As an organization that empowers the Korean, immigrant, and multi-racial communities of greater Chicago, HANA Center, NAKASEC and KRC strive to provide a welcoming and safe space for all of our community members. We ask that you join us today in speaking out against MAGA hatred. We ask that you join us in supporting Mr. Smollett in his recovery from this brutality. We ask you that you join us in striving for justice and working towards love. #Chicago #Love #StandwithJussie.
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Hollywood speaks up (source: Variety): Lee Daniels Posts Emotional Reaction to Jussie Smollett Attack: 'America Is Better Than That' (Watch)