Standing Against Anti-Asian Hate: Voices from the Community

Congresswoman Young Kim Visits KCAL to Address Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

Kenny Chang Hosts Community Leadership Summit

As California begins its recovery from the pandemic, a troubling rise in anti-Asian discrimination has resurfaced. This wave of hate crimes threatens the well-being of the Chinese American community, even as businesses start to rebound.

To address these concerns, Congresswoman Young Kim visited KCAL Insurance Agency on April 5. She represents California’s 39th Congressional District and came to listen directly to community voices.

The event was hosted by Kenny Chang, President of KCAL Insurance and Commissioner of the Los Angeles County Insurance Oversight Committee. He gathered key figures from government, law, and education to discuss how to protect and empower the Asian American community. Attendees included Paul Chang, Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; Ben Raju, Regional Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA); Jimmy Wu, representative of LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger; Paul Cheng, Arcadia City Councilmember and attorney; Attorney Daniel Deng; and Joseph Chang, representative of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District Board.

Long-Term Commitment to the Community

Kenny Chang shared that KCAL Insurance serves over 100,000 Chinese families and businesses in Southern California. He emphasized the company’s long-standing mission to give back and stay engaged in the local community.

During the pandemic, KCAL and other Chinese-owned businesses provided essential resources and accurate information to those in need. In today’s climate, Chang said he is especially thankful for Congresswoman Kim’s support and attention.

Discrimination Runs Deeper Than Recent Events

Speakers such as Paul Chang, Daniel Deng, and Joseph Chang pointed out that anti-Asian discrimination is not new. It exists in schools, sports, and everyday life.

They stressed the need for greater government action, better diversity education, and cultural sensitivity training for law enforcement and media outlets.

A Call for Asian Americans to Speak Up

Arcadia Councilmember Paul Cheng reminded everyone that values like fairness and justice go beyond race. He urged Asian Americans not to remain silent, but to take part in shaping a more inclusive society.

Resources for Small Business Owners

Ben Raju from the SBA shared valuable information. He highlighted that the SBA provides free, one-on-one assistance in Mandarin for Asian-owned small businesses. These services include help with loans and post-pandemic relief. He encouraged business owners to use these resources and reach out for support.

Congresswoman Kim’s Pledge to the Community

Congresswoman Young Kim expressed her gratitude to the attendees for sharing their insights and recommendations. Their input helped her gain a deeper understanding of the most urgent and genuine concerns within the Asian American community—ranging from discrimination and hate crimes to small business recovery and California’s strong trade relationships with Asia.

She pledged to bring the voices of Southern California’s Chinese community to Washington, D.C. and encouraged everyone to continue supporting and serving the community so that “the voices of Chinese Americans can be heard.”