The xenophobia, or intense fear of outsiders, against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the country reached a fever pitch last month after a slew of hate crimes were reported against Asian Americans across the country, a rise that is linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some in the Upstate hope their stories – ones of community and perseverance and hope – will help end the cycle of hate and violence.
And to hear Greenville resident Hao Wu s story is to hear the American Dream.
Wu was born in China to pro-democracy parents. After his father was blacklisted by the Chinese government for his views, the family spent seven years in hiding from the Communist regime.