Japanese-Born Newark Woman Speaks Out After Georgia Shootings

NEWARK, NJ — For Aio, a Japanese-born woman who grew up in Newark, this week’s fatal shootings in Georgia hit hard. But the racism and bigotry that she has experienced started way before a reported rise in violence against Asian Americans began rearing its head.

According to authorities, a gunman opened fire at three massage parlors across the metro Atlanta area. Cherokee County Sheriff's Capt. Jay Baker said the gunman admitted to the killings and blamed the massage parlors for fueling his sex addiction. Read More: Metro Atlanta Massage Parlor Shootings (5 Things To Know)

Although many of the victims are of Asian descent, officials have said it’s too early in the investigation to know if the shootings were “racially motivated.” However, many advocates have since expressed fear in the wake of the shootings, and have pointed to a reported rise in anti-Asian violence since the coronavirus pandemic began.

• See related article: Outrage Erupts In Essex County About Anti-Asian Violence

On Thursday, local advocacy group Newark Water Coalition shared a statement from one of its organizers, Aoi, who was born in Japan but grew up in New Jersey’s largest city.

“It was clear that a statement needed to be released about the recent acts of terror against Asian women committed in Atlanta,” the group said.

Here’s the story she shared:

“I grew up in Japan and moved to the states at a young age. Before moving, I never had the concept of different ethnicities or nationalities. It wasn't until I started going to school when I realized I would be treated differently being Asian. I went to school in Newark, NJ and throughout elementary and middle school, I was the only Asian in the school. Being that token Asian person, I was always asked if I knew martial arts, if I can teach people how to speak Japanese or Chinese (because you know "All Asians look the same"), or frequently being called racial slurs, mocked, or teased. Everywhere I went, it was exhausting to answer so many questions or having to defend myself when I was singled out for being or looking different. I hated it.”

Aio continued:

“I still remember the day where I felt the most victimized. I was on the 27 bus to go to Elliott Street School and as I was getting off, 3 boys I guess from a different school (I think it was Ridge Street) kept saying ‘ching chong’ and because I learned to ignore it, they didn't like that I was not reacting. So to retaliate, they pushed me and I fell rolling down the hill on Heller Parkway (if you're from Newark, you know that's steep). It was painful and I had cuts and bruises. They just laughed and walked away. I remember a nice lady trying to help me and wanted to make sure I was okay.”

She concluded:

“I just started bursting into tears but more out of anger than the pain. I got up and went to school as if nothing happened. I hated the situation and I just hated being different. Instead of being proud and embracing my culture/background, it was at that moment when I started to deny my own identity. I started teasing myself because I somehow thought I would beat others to it and I wouldn't let them have the satisfaction to think they are cool or funny for their actions. Up until now in my late adult life is when I started embracing my culture and identity. I am learning to love myself and who I am. I stand today to fight the injustice of all hate crimes. I urge others to join me and Newark Water Coalition to stand in solidarity against all hate crimes.”

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