‘Blasian March’ unites Black, Asian and Blasian communities in Sacramento
By Carl Samson
August 7, 2023
A march that brought together Black, Asian and Blasian (Black and Asian) communities was held in Sacramento, California, on Saturday.
What it is: The event, dubbed the “Blasian March,” sought to promote solidarity and improve communication between the communities of color. Its first iteration took place in New York City in 2020 and has since expanded with local chapters across the nation.
Saturday’s march featured a panel discussion and the unveiling of a mural by artist Shawntay Gorman of Darell Richards, a Black Hmong American who was fatally shot by Sacramento police in 2018. Richards’ family believe he was going through a mental health crisis at the time of the encounter, which occurred after a 911 caller reported someone “walking around carrying a gun” — later confirmed to be a replica — and “pointing it at people.”
Who’s behind it: The initiative was created by dancer, writer and public speaker Rohan Zhou-Lee, who has also led similar marches for Pride, climate change and Afghan refugees. The latest Blasian March was organized in partnership with the Sacramento chapter of the Asian American Liberation Network (AALN), Brown Blossom Rising, Lavender Lotus and Sacramento Filipinx LGBTQIA.
Saturday’s panelists included Zhou-Lee, Gorman, Jordan McGowan and Bobby Dalton G. Roy. Lee Lo of the AALN served as moderator.
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