july has been a MONTH... it all started in the beginning of the month, when i commented a post from @blasianmarch and said something along the lines of “i would really love something like this in chicago”! and the founder, rohan (@diaryofafirebird), responded to dm them and we can get started. i immediately took the opportunity to organize something in chicago on july 30th @ the chicago federal plaza. i invited my mentor and extraordinary friend, kyung, @seoulfulseamstress to help me and be my support through it all. as someone who was only a participant to rallies and protests, i had no idea what responsibilities and dedication was put into organizing a rally like this. especially to a cause as important to a reminder and to continue to unite two communities who have stood in solidarity together in multiple movements throughout our histories, i was passionately ready & not ready at the same time. lots of emotions came out throughout the month, but without the support from kyung, i wouldn’t have continued to push further and make this a reality. thank you so much for hearing me out and trusting me with leading by example. i’ve learned so much from her and rohan to trust the process and myself as leading this by myself was an experience that made me stronger. thank you to everyone, friends & family, who motivated me to keep going. my words here can’t fully explain my gratitude for having a support system like y’all. thank you to all my besties who helped make signs & buttons to give out. thank you to folks who attended saturday’s march and heard me out as an activist, an artist, and a person. thank you for our safety team who made the community safe through it all. thank you to our speakers and performers for sharing your strength, and inspiring stories and experiences. thank you @cebuchicago, @emechecakery, @islafilipino for providing delicious food for folks. thank you all for allowing me to be who i am as the chicago chapter founder of @blasianmarch. we are the change that will continue to fight for justice for us, for love and care for one another, and for freedom. see you all in the next rally. ✊🏽💖 • #blasianmarch #blacklivesmatter #stopasianhate