"The community needs to help protect and defend us, and we as Asian Americans, have to step out of the shadows,” said Alameda resident Serena Chen.
Among those who are Asian American, a call to share more of who they are in the communities they call home.
"I really want you guys to really educate yourselves and learn about things because even I can say I wasn't always the most educated on asian issues, and I had to learn,” said Raquel Williams, Alameda High School student.
Influential leaders in business and tech announced Wednesday they're standing with Asian Americans.
Away from the vigils and protests in the streets, a group of executives are also taking action.