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12.02.2010

youth power rally: commemorating the december 3 violence at south philadelphia high

One year ago tomorrow, on December 3, 2009, dozens of Asian immigrant youth at South Philadelphia High School were assaulted in a series of anti-Asian attacks that sent thirteen students to the hospital.

The attacks and the failure of school district officials to respond to the racial harassment and violence toward Asian youth sparked an eight-day boycott that drew attention and support from across the country.

Tomorrow afternoon, the Asian Student Association of Philadelphia will host a Youth Power Rally honoring the peace and progress made by student and community action at the school. Here are some more details about the event:
Youth Power Rally
in commemoration of the Dec. 3 anti-Asian violence
at South Philadelphia High School

Friday, Dec. 3rd, 4 p.m.

South Philadelphia High School
(Broad and Snyder, front gates)

We are organizing this rally to remember what happened last year. On that day, two dozen Asian immigrant students were attacked in school. We remember that day, but we will not let it define us.

WE HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE CHANGE!

Violence affects us all. The December 3rd attacks mobilized students to demand changes that would make Southern safer and better for all students.
We use that day as a motivation to change our schools. We speak out against violence and bias in our schools and fight for the rights of all students to a good education in safe schools. We join students from across Philadelphia who are organizing for this right in their schools.

We call upon our teachers and principals, school staff and district leaders to hear student voices and work with us.
I can't believe how fast a year has gone by. Big props to the Asian students of South Philadelphia High School, as well as community organizations like Asian Americans United, who have come together and spoken out against the violence over the last year. No props to Superintendent Arlene Ackerman and the school administration, for not doing a damn thing.

For more information about tomorrow's rally at South Philadelphia High, contact Helen Gym at 215-808-1400 or student organizer Bach Tong at 215-254-8780.