As the ten year anniversary of September 11th approaches, there will be many stories in the mainstream media, covering broader memories of the national tragedy, mourning the loss, and evaluating where the U.S. is today. SAN wants you to keep in mind the impact of 9/11 on the South Asian American community in Southern California.
In the past decade, South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh community members continue to be the targets of xenophobia and racism reminiscent of the days and months immediately after 9/11. Community members experienced increased levels of hate crimes, bullying, and surveillance. Some stories include a young Sikh man denied the opportunity to walk with his high school graduating class because of his turban; a woman denied employment because of her hijab; and a local leader with 800 pages of FBI surveillance documents on him for no other reason than he is Muslim.
SAN’s August 20th community hearing sought to share these and other stories with South Asian American community members, the larger Southern California community, as well as federal, state, and local policymakers. With over 150 attendees, the hearing offered space for dialogue and solutions to address the issues raised. Here are some ways the voices of our community were heard:
* Listen to KCRW’s Which Way LA: Ten Years after 9/11, Do Muslims, South Asians Still Feel the Heat? with Manjusha and Shakeel talking about the last ten years and iWatch
* Listen to KPFK’s Uprising, “South Asian Americans Continue to Face Racism, Intimidation, Ten Years After 9/11”with Manjusha reflecting on key moments and the hearing
* Listen to KPFK’s Flip the Script, “August 29th: Report Back from SAN’s Community Hearing” with Tamia sharing about the importance of the hearing
* Read Hindustan Times, “Post-9/11 Polices Created an Atmosphere of Fear for South Asians”
* Read India West’s “SAN Hosts Workshop on 10-Year Anniversary of 9/11”
* Read India Journal’s “SAN Hosts Discussion on 9/11 Aftermath”
* Read India Express’ “Post-9/11, US policies created atmosphere of fear for South Asians,”
* Read Bill of Rights Defense Committee’s “Ten Years After 9/11: The South Asian American Perspective”
* APALC’s “Ten Year’s After 9/11” film screening and Panel discussion with Manjusha Kulkarni tonight
* Fox 11’s “Midday LA” with Manjusha Kulkarni, Shaleel Syed and Steve Rhode
* Colorlines “Today’s Love: South Asian Americans Share the Impact of 9/11″
