Filipino American Community to Hold “Stop Asian Hate Rally” and Call for Justice for Elderly Man Who Was Attacked

Community leaders say there needs to much greater focus and resources to prevent hate crimes moving forward

WHO: National Federation of Filipino American Associations – Nevada; Bamboo Bridges; SEIU Local 1107, Nevada’s largest healthcare and public service union; and community allies.

WHAT: “Stop Asian Hate Rally” organized by Filipino American community organizations.

WHEN: Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave., Las Vegas.

Las Vegas, Nev. – Today prominent Filipino American leaders announced they will hold a “Stop Asian Hate Rally” in front of the Regional Justice Center on June 29. They will be calling for justice for an elderly Filipino American man who was attacked, 75-year-old Amadeo Quindara, and urgent steps to end the alarming rise in Asian hate crimes.

Mr. Quindara is living in fear for his life and safety as the attacker was released from jail and apparently continues to pose a threat to him. The Clark County District Attorney recently expanded the charges against the attacker to residential burglary and elder abuse, perpetrated as hate crimes. Community leaders applaud the DA’s decision, but say that elected officials and law enforcement need to take the overall rise in attacks much more seriously and create proactive measures to prevent future acts of violence. The attacker is due back in court July 3.

The attack comes at a time when there is an alarming surge in hate crimes against Asian Americans nationally, and as Nevada’s Filipino American population is growing rapidly. There was a disturbing 167% increase in anti-Asian hate crimes during the first year of the pandemic alone, according to the FBI. There are now approximately 170,000 Filipino Americans in Nevada, who fill vital roles working in the healthcare industry, education, small business, and every profession and cross section of society. Below are statements from prominent leaders of the Filipino American community:

“When Filipino Americans heard about this brutal attack, we took it very personally, because the first thought we had was ‘That could have been my dad’,” said Jacque de Joya, President of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) – Nevada. “In the Filipino American community, we’re very family-oriented, and we revere our elders. So we felt like our own father had been attacked – it hit us right in our hearts. These kinds of hate crimes, which have been skyrocketing against Asian Americans, are absolutely unacceptable, especially here in our Las Vegas community. Mr. Quindara is in imminent danger of being attacked again, so it is extremely important to issue a restraining order against his attacker immediately to ensure his safety. We also need officials to prioritize the safety of all Nevadans against hate crimes. All of us must come together across racial lines to increase understanding, education and compassion, and take real steps to end these terrible acts of violence. We are calling for action from our justice system and local government officials, as justice delayed is justice denied. NaFFAA Nevada is in solidarity with the rest of the Filipino American organizations and other organizations in our state.”

“This attack, and the rise in Asian hate crimes in general, are so heartbreaking because this is America, where everyone is supposed to be welcome,” said Gloria Caoile, Co-Founder of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. “Filipino Americans are part of the tapestry of many communities that make Nevada thrive and grow. We’re nurses, teachers, small business owners, and work hard in many other professions. We are essential to the life of our city and state, but we feel the Filipino American community has been treated as if we don’t count and don’t matter. I was a union leader for decades, and in the labor movement we have a saying, ‘An injury to one is an injury to all.’ This issue is about making sure that every Nevadan has safety and respect, starting with Mr. Quindara.”

“We stand with the victims of hate crimes and their families,” said Minddie Lloyd, Chair of the nonprofit advocacy organization Bamboo Bridges. “This senseless violence fueled by hate has to stop now.”

“The attack on Mr. Quindara is part of the disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate nationally,” said Grace Vergara-Mactal, Executive Director of Nevada’s largest healthcare and public service union, SEIU Local 1107. “Our union represents thousands of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander members who are essential to our communities. They work in home care agencies, hospitals, the tourism industry, local government and many other fields. We will not accept being targeted or victimized, and as an anti-racist organization, we will not stand on the sidelines. Along with our community partners, we will redouble our fight for justice and safety for all.”

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) – Nevada represents the over 170,000 Filipinos in the state. Nationally, NaFFAA works on behalf of the 4 million Filipinos across the United States, and their mission is to promote the welfare and well-being of Filipino Americans by amplifying their voices, advocating on behalf of their interests, and providing resources to facilitate their empowerment.

Bamboo Bridges is a nonprofit organization that bridges the multi-ethnic, multilingual, and multi-generational Asian Pacific American community by developing collaborations and building awareness of the issues that APA women confront in their lives, families, and communities.

SEIU Nevada Local 1107 is the largest healthcare and public service union in the state, representing nearly 20,000 workers. SEIU represents thousands of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander members whose work is essential for our communities throughout Nevada and the nation. Together, SEIU 1107 members fight for good union jobs, quality services and a better quality of life for all working Nevadans.