Rally in Salinas to show support for the AAPI community

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) A rally is being held in Salinas to show support and solidarity for the AAPI community.

The Asian American and Pacific Islander community rallied together on Sunday to unite amidst the tragic Atlanta shootings that resulted in the deaths of 8 Asian women.

Carissa Purnell, one of the organizers of the event, says she's there to help protect those who can't protect themselves.

"I think that there's a culture of silence and a little bit of hesitation to speak up and so I think as young people it's our responsibility to protect our elders and protect people who are older than us in times like this," says Purnell.

Groups like Asian Cultural Experience were here to share about the local history. Organizers say they picked Sherwood Park because it used to serve as a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Community members feel that to understand the present, one must look to the past.

"The history of Asian Americans in this country has always faced this. I feel like Asian Americans always have to prove that they experience racism. The truth is we're experiencing the same kind of discrimination that any marginalized groups are," says Jason Agpaoa, a community member.

Supervisor Alejo was there to show his support for the community.

"Everybody needs to feel safe and welcome where they live and in their neighborhoods and their places of work and not have to fear that somebody may come and try to take violent acts against them only because of who they are," says Alejo.

Purnell has created a directory of AAPI-owned businesses in Monterey. For those interested in joining the directory, her email is carissapurnell@gmail.com.