SAN FRANCISCO — In the heart of Chinatown, amid the aroma of noodles, dim sum, and live music from the Chinatown Noodle Festival, a powerful movement continues to grow. For the past five years, a group of Black and Chinese community members, and leaders have been meeting regularly—sharing meals, stories, and strategies—to combat the rise in violence against seniors, and heal divisions fueled by misinformation and sensationalized media narratives.
What began as a response to high-profile attacks on Asian elders has evolved into a sustained cross-cultural movement rooted in dialogue, trust, and mutual respect. I was invited by Greg Richardson, a longtime community organizer, to attend their recent gathering during the festival, hosted by the Chinese Culture Foundation of San Francisco.
Between the “Fish Meat Dim Sum” eating contest and cultural performances, one message was clear: We are one city. One community. Hate has no home here…