HANA Center Condemns Cross Burning in Grant Park and Calls for Intersectional Solidarity

Chicago, IL – On June 9, a cross was burned in Grant Park. Cross burning is widely recognized as one of the most blatant symbols of hate with a specific history of being used to intimidate and threaten Black communities. HANA Center and National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) denounces anti-Black racism in the strongest possible terms. 

HANA Center is an immigrant-led organization located in Albany Park and the northwest suburbs working to meet the critical needs of Korean, Asian, and multiethnic immigrants in the Chicagoland area and build power toward systemic change.

Hate crimes like June 9’s cross-burning are symptomatic of the larger, pervasive issue of anti-Blackness that exists in the United States and is embedded in all facets of our society. White supremacy pits communities of color against each other for resources, opportunities, and dignity – and divides and isolates our communities.

This incident occurred just ten days before Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth honors the legacy of resistance and fighting for freedom within Black communities. This horrific incident is a pointed reminder of the work that still must be done to combat racism. HANA Center reaffirms our commitment of doing the necessary work of addressing and dismantling anti-Blackness within Korean and Asian American and immigrant communities. Through political education, deep listening and honest conversations, and intentional relationship-building—in language no less—Asian Americans and immigrants can understand how we have all been impacted by white supremacy and anti-Blackness, and how they can work to dismantle it.   

“We stand in solidarity with Black communities who have been harmed by this action, and we call for an investigation and for the perpetrator to be held accountable. We call on businesses, churches, and other institutions to speak out and condemn this act. We understand that as Asian Americans and multiethnic immigrants, our work and liberation is bound together with Black American and immigrant communities.” said Danae Kovac, Executive Director of HANA Center.  

HANA Center is a part of NAKASEC, a national network of five affiliates serving six states. Jung Woo Kim, NAKASEC’s Co-Director, said: “Our country is facing a crisis. We are more divided than ever, and authoritarianism and white Christian nationalism are on the rise. The same forces that normalize anti-Black racism are the same that enable inhumane immigration enforcement – enforcement that tears families apart and denies a livable life to every person, regardless of their race, faith, economic class, or immigration status. We condemn all acts of hate and urge Chicago officials to act in solidarity with our Black neighbors.” 

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HANA Center’s mission is to build the power of Korean, Asian American, and multi-ethnic immigrant communities in Chicagoland through social services, education, culture, and community organizing to advance human rights.