The rally was held to honor and remember the six women killed in Atlanta and to call for an end to hate, racism, xenophobia, and sexism.
Mayor Sarno stated, “Asian American and Pacific Islanders have been and continue to be a respected and valued part of the fabric of our Springfield community. They are hardworking individuals who are family-oriented, very industrious in business and education, and so respectful. Simply put, these hate crimes must stop – what the hell do our Asian American and Pacific Islander citizens have to do with COVID-19 – absolutely nothing! Again, my thoughts, prayers, sympathy, and encouragement go out to the affected families of the attack in Georgia.”
The rally included numerous speakers. Those elected officials who spoke were Mayor Sarno, State Senator Adam Gomez, State Representatives Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and Jacob Oliveira, City Councilors Jesse Lederman, Justin Hurst, Ward 4 Councilor Malo Brown, and Council President Marcus Williams, and School Committeewoman Denise Hurst. Ward 1 Councilor Gumersindo Gomez was also present.
