Rep. Juanita Brent decries racist attacks, says coronavirus an opportunity to come together

Rep. Juanita Brent (D-Cleveland) today issued a statement in support of Northeast Ohio’s Chinese, Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities amid increased racist incidents as COVID-19 continues its spread across the country. Brent noted that the Cleveland area is home to the state’s largest Chinese, Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities.

“Racism has no place in our state, not now, not ever,” said Rep. Brent. “We must ensure that all Ohioans feel safe during this pandemic, and that begins by denouncing racism in all forms, especially against our Asian community here in Cleveland—the largest and most diverse in our state. Keeping Ohio’s promise of safety and security not just for some, but for all should be our top priority as we come together to fight this outbreak.”

State Rep. Juanita Brent last week signed on to the Ohio Progressive Asian Women’s Leadership (OPAWL) letter of support which calls for mitigating the effects of racialized stigma and violence. 

Rep. Juanita Brent decries racist attacks, says coronavirus an opportunity to come together (PDF)