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Jeremy Lin sends love to Asian American community after 'heartbreaking' Georgia spa shootings

liz roscher
Staff writer
·4 min read
1

Jeremy Lin is once again using his platform to send love and hope to the Asian community after an act of violence.

Lin jumped on social media Tuesday night after learning of the shootings at three Atlanta-area massage parlors. Eight people were killed in the attacks, and six of them were women of Asian descent. Lin tweeted a message of support to the Asian American community, urging them to take care of themselves and continue fighting for change.

Lin continues speaking out

Incidents of hatred and violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are on the rise in the U.S. According to a study done by Stop AAPI Hate, almost 3,800 incidents of harassment, assault, discrimination and more were reported over the past year. In July 2020, a survey by the Pew Research Center showed that 3 in 10 Asian Americans reported experiencing racial slurs or jokes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lin, who has been playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors inside the G League bubble, has not been immune. He revealed in February that another player called him "coronavirus" during a game. Lin has continually used his platform as an Asian American athlete to denounce racial violence and call for unity. He recently took part in the program "Race in America: A Candid Conversation," which aired on NBC Sports Bay Area.

On the show, Lin said that the increased violence has driven him to speak out, and he displayed deep empathy for those who are involved.

“I feel bad for somebody who harbors hate for somebody else, who they’ve never met, just based on skin color,” Lin said via NBC Sports Bay Area. “That makes me want to do something. It makes me want to educate people or speak out and find ways to make a difference.

“Honestly, it goes almost from anger to heartbreak. Almost like a sadness, but mixed with compassion. I almost feel for the people who are hurting the victims.”

Lin also called for unity and solidarity among minority groups, saying that the only way to make real change is to do it together.

“I’ve always said that in the long run, it can’t only be Asians caring about Asian issues, or African Americans caring about African American issues,” Lin said. “If, as minorities, we want the majority to understand what it’s like to live a minority experience, and to sympathize and change, we as minorities also have to collaborate, unify and use our voices and stand up for each other. There has to be solidarity on that front.”

BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 20: Jeremy Lin #7 of Beijing Ducks in action during 2019/2020 CBA League - Beijing Ducks v Zhejiang Golden Bulls at Beijing Wukesong Sport Arena on December 20, 2019 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
Jeremy Lin sent a message of hope to the Asian American community after six Asian women were killed in shootings at three Atlanta-area spas. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)

NBA stars denounce violence against Asian community

Lin has called for unity among minority groups, and a few current and former NBA stars are stepping up to support that.

LeBron James called the suspected shooter a "coward" in a tweet he sent in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young sent his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

Retired Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade tweeted a heartfelt statement along with the hashtag "#StopAsianHate".

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr — one of the most outspoken in the league — had a thread of tweets condemning the shootings.

Warriors star Stephen Curry was right there with him, too.

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