Gathering at the Gazebo next to City Hall will address violence towards Asian Americans
In acknowledgement of recent acts of violence directed toward Asian Americans around the country, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, members of the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations, Carmel Interfaith Alliance and Communities Allied for Racial Equity (CARE) will hold a gathering at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28 at the Gazebo next to City Hall.
Brainard
“I am appalled by the recent acts of violence against people of Asian descent around the country,” Brainard said. “It is imperative that we stand by all members of our community; that we make sure that every single person who lives in or is a visitor to Carmel feels safe. We will not allow discriminatory or violent behavior towards anyone.”
Speakers and guests will include emcee Kelvin Okamoto of the Mayor’s Commission on Human Relations; Rupal Thanawala, president of the Asian American Alliance; Quanbo Xiong, president of the Indianapolis Chinese Community Center; Hai Soo Woo, president of the Korean American Association of Indiana; Evan Kreutzer, president of the Carmel-Kawachinagano Sister City Committee; Ming Ye, president of the Carmel-Xiangyang Sister City Committee; and Elijah Choi from the Advancement of Asian Americans in Arts and Athletics at Carmel High School.
Everyone who attends is encouraged to wear a face covering and observe proper physical distancing on the lawn at the Gazebo, which is located on the north side of Carmel City Hall, 1 Civic Square.
Chairs will not be provided; attendees may bring their own folding chairs or blankets to sit on the lawn.
The Mayor’s Commission on Human Relations was established in 2009 in order to advise the Mayor on ways to better appreciate the contributions of the citizens of all races and ancestries and to identify any obstacles that may prevent full citizen participation in all civic and other activities taking place within Carmel’s corporate boundaries.
The current members are as follows:
- Anushree Bag
- Jim Barlow, Carmel Police Chief
- Raju Chinthala
- Chaka Coleman
- Shelly Coover, Carmel Clay Schools Representative
- Barb Lamb, Carmel Director of Human Resources
- Ashhar Madni
- Kelvin Okamoto
- Natalia Rekhter
- Dee Thornton
- Michael Wallack
If you have questions or concerns about matters of social justice or discrimination in Carmel, you may contact the Commission at diversity@carmel.in.gov.
Communities Allied for Racial Equity (CARE), previously known as Carmel Against Racial Injustice, began in June 2020 when three friends from Hamilton County area high schools reconnected over the police brutality and discrimination people of color were experiencing across the United States. The organization works to raise awareness about racial equity in policing, education and city policy alongside members of Hamilton County communities. For more information about CARE, visit alliedforracialequity.org.