ALL PHOTOS BY KEIKO HIROMI

Protesters demonstrated to highlight discrimination and crimes against Asian people on Saturday, gathering on Boston Common by the Parkman Bandstand for a “rally and march against anti-Asian hate and racism.” Their call to action stated: “Come and hear leaders, members and allies of the Asian community as we put a spotlight on the overwhelming rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and come together in love, support, and solidarity. The rally will conclude with a call-to-action march to the steps of the Massachusetts State House.”

Since the pandemic, Asian Americans have faced racist violence at a much higher rate than in previous years. A recent study based on police department statistics across major US cities found a nearly 150% surge in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020.