My name is Kelly Choi, and I’m a Korean-American student activist from Texas and a member of the March For Our Lives Youth Power Council. I’m here to say, loudly and clearly: I am not a virus. 

Coming back home from college, the first thing my mom asked was if anything bad had happened to me. After hearing about a Korean student who was grabbed by her hair and punched in the face, my mom warned me to be careful. The next day I had to go to the post office, and she insisted that I bring my brother with me, just in case I got attacked. My mother’s fear is justified. As I've spoke out against the vitriolic rhetoric from COVID-19 towards Asians and Asian-Americans, I’ve had too many people tell me that their xenophobia is warranted. They call it “kung-flu” and the “Chinese virus” directly to me with no remorse. My own senator perpetuates negative stereotypes about Chinese people, falsely accusing China of being the source of other viruses.

My experience is not unique. Since the spread of COVID-19 across the United States, there has been an increase in racist attacks (over 650 just last week) on Asian-Americans across the country, blaming us for the pandemic. This claim is inaccurate, xenophobic, and harmful. And that’s just what’s being reported, it’s likely that many more are too afraid to come forward.

March For Our Lives is working to create a more peaceful country, free of violence for everyone. So when over 650 attacks are made in just one week against a certain community, we have to take action and do the right thing. 

If you’re Asian-American, post a picture or video with the hashtag #IAmNotAVirus. Let’s retake the narrative. Viruses aren’t xenophobic, but people are. Don’t be afraid to rise up against these injustices and use your voice. Now more than ever, we need to stand together, uplift each other, and be proud of who we are. 

For our non-Asian allies who want to show solidarity, lift up our voices and faces on your social media, and defend us against any racist rhetoric you may hear. Pushing back against these lies is how we can stop violence from escalating. By speaking up, you can quite literally save our lives. 

Most importantly, if you experience any acts of discrimination or witness any acts of discrimination against Asian-Americans, please report them here to the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council.

We can stop this hate and violence if we stick together. Please, help us speak out against these hate crimes.

Thank you,
Kelly Choi
Youth Power Council Member
March For Our Lives