As members of the Asian American community face an onrush of violent hate crimes, attacks that have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jona Hilario and others said sharing their experiences is essential in the fight against racism.
While there s been growing awareness nationally, there s still a line of separation between Asian Americans and other residents on a local level, Hilario, a Hilliard resident, said. In helping educate central Ohioans on the matter, Hilario said events such as the Asian Festival can help bridge the gap.
Through shared commonalities and cultural interests, whether food, dance or music, this year s festival has even more significance given today s societal climate, said Hilario, who serves as the co-director of OPAWL a statewide group of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women and nonbinary volunteers who organize social-justice initiatives.
Shortly after Bake Me Happy closed Sunday amid racial threats of violence, the community covered the business in love.
Customers taped colorful paper hearts with messages including “we’ve got your back” and “you are loved” to the Merion Village gluten-free bakery’s door and window.
When the business reopened early Tuesday morning, people continued the support by placing a steady stream of orders.
Erin Satterwhite, a first-time customer, emerged from the building with a bag of oatmeal cookies, zebra cakes and more.
“I was extremely outraged,” said the 28-year-old PhD student from Ohio State. “To see a well-respected business being targeted, it’s just absolutely ridiculous. … So, this is just me doing something small, and I’ll continue to share on Facebook to let people know what’s going on.”