Dear Neighbors,

Over the last several years, hate crimes in US cities have been on the rise. Incidents of racism against the Asian-American population have surged since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidents ranging from verbal harassment to violent crimes have been reported consistently and as frequently as last month with two mass shootings that claimed eighteen Asian-American lives.

Unfortunately our community has not been immune to racial harassment and intolerance. The NLNA has received credible reports of harassment from Asian-American neighbors. Given the national statistics, an environment where harassment exists can escalate to more extreme acts of racist hate. We urge our residents to be considerate of the lived experience of our neighbors of color. They are concerned for their safety and need our support.

At the end of January there was an incident on 2nd St involving the owners of unleashed dogs and an Asian-American couple. Sadly, this was not the couple’s first experience of racial harassment in the neighborhood. Both a police report and Philadelphia Commission for Human Relations report have been filed. 

If you experience or witness racial harassment, the Philadelphia Commission for Human Relations investigates complaints of discrimination and violations of civil rights laws, resolves community conflicts through dialogue and other dispute resolution methods, and educates the public on their legal rights and responsibilities. Their next public session is scheduled for March 17 at 9:30am.

Let’s reaffirm our commitment as a neighborhood: There is no place for hate in Northern Liberties! Feel free to reach out with questions or concerns.

In Service,

Jeff Hornstein, NLNA President

Amanda Weeks, NLNA Executive Director