Councilmen Lavarro and Solomon Introduce Resolution Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

JERSEY CITY, NJ –Jersey City Councilmen Rolando Lavarro and James Solomon will introduce a resolution that condemns racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

The resolution was submitted to the City Council agenda on the morning prior to the horrific shootings in Atlanta that claimed the lives of eight people, including six women of Asian descent. Media outlets have reported that the killings occurred in three separate shootings at massage spas. A suspect was arrested several hours after the shooting although there was no known motive for the shooting in the immediate aftermath.

“My heart, prayers and tears are with Georgians as they cope with this horrific tragedy, especially Atlanta’s Asian community,” said Council At-Large Rolando Lavarro. “As an Asian American, I share the fear, anxiety, and anger that Asians all over the country are feeling in the wake of this massacre, and raise my fist in rage and solidarity with you.”

“Jersey City is not immune from the rising tide of hatred directed at our Asian-American and Pacific Islander neighbors. Our message to them is clear: we stand with you. We condemn this bigotry. We will utilize every resource at our disposal to protect you and your families,” said Councilmember Solomon.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in America, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been victims of racist harassment and attacks; and Asian-owned businesses have seen a dramatic decline in revenue and patronage. Stop AAPI Hate was created in part to create a database of such reports. As of Feb. 28, Stop AAPI Hate has documented 3,795 reports of racist incidents against AAPIs, which includes 503 incidents in 2021.

Councilman Rolando Lavarro was first elected in Nov. 2011 becoming the first Asian American elected to municipal office in Jersey City’s history. With the tragic loss of Councilman Michael Yun to COVID-19 in 2020, Lavarro is the only Asian American elected to municipal office.

James Solomon represents downtown Jersey City as the Ward E Councilperson. He’s focused on building a just city, with affordable housing and improved mass transit, bicycling, and pedestrian infrastructure. He is also an adjunct professor of political science at Saint Peter’s University, New Jersey City University, and Hudson County Community College.

Jersey City is the most diverse city in the nation with Asians making up 25.1% of the city’s population.