West Allis Finally Adopts Resolution Condemning Anti-AAPI Violence

West Allis, WI — On Tuesday night, the City of West Allis Common Council adopted the resolution condemning violence against Asian American Pacific Islander communities with a vote of 7-1-2. Alderman Angelito Tenorio first introduced the resolution on April 7th but was met with resistance. The first resolution was ultimately amended and passed to condemn all violence. On April 20th, Alderman Angelito Tenorio reintroduced the resolution with the original language condemning specifically anti-AAPI violence and is proud that it passed.

Anti-Asian racism and hate are not new and have a long history in the United States; and for far too long, Asian Americans have been the target of xenophobic policies, labor exploitation, hate crimes, and systemic racism in the United States. The use of anti-Asian rhetoric, especially as it intensified this past year, has resulted in Asian Americans being harassed, assaulted, and scapegoated for the COVID–19 pandemic. Violence and hate crimes against Asian Americans have increased by 150 percent in major U.S. cities; and in the last year, Asian American and Pacific Islander women made up 68 percent of the 3,800 hate incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Once this resolution is signed by Mayor Dan Devine, West Allis joins other communities across Wisconsin in officially supporting the AAPI community.

“After weeks of contentious debate, I’m so happy that we finally passed this resolution to recognize and support the AAPI community. This resolution is so important because we need to call out and condemn the scapegoating and violence against AAPI folks across our country.

Although I wish we would’ve passed it unanimously, I am so proud and deeply grateful for all the people who came to City Hall to speak in favor of the resolution. I would like to thank my fellow alderpersons who cosponsored this item and Mayor Dan Devine for joining me in passing this important resolution. Last night, we sent a message to the AAPI community that we see you, we support you, and that you belong here.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.