Love for Randy Gener: The Asian American Arts Alliance Stands in Support of Randy Gener
-Calls on authorities to pursue rigorous investigation-
(NEW YORK, 27 January 2014) – The Asian American Arts Alliance is deeply grieved to learn that Filipino American writer, editor, and journalist Randy Gener was brutally attacked around 4 a.m. on 17 January while walking home from a party. Randy has undergone brain surgery from his injuries and remains in the intensive-care unit at St. Luke's Hospital in Manhattan.
The Alliance calls on New York Police Commissioner William Bratton and his team to pursue a thorough and rigorous investigation. Randy's family say they fear he may have been a victim of a hate crime, since nothing was stolen. Randy was nearly home when he was viciously attacked on Seventh Avenue around 54th Street.
"The Alliance is shocked to learn of this horrifying crime and urges authorities to aggressively continue their search for the attackers," said Andrea Louie, executive director of the Alliance. "That the Asian American community has rallied together so quickly to lend support and raise awareness on behalf of Randy's family is truly an inspiration. But it's heartbreaking that we even have to do this."
A suspect has been identified, and police say they are investigating the case as a possible hate crime. Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-TIPS. You may read more HERE.
Randy is a journalist who frequently writes on theater. He has written or reported for National Public Radio, the New York Times, the New York Daily News, the International Herald Tribune, and Crains New York Business, among others.
He was a finalist for the Alliance's 2013 Wai Look Award for Outstanding Service to the Arts.
"Randy is an example of the countless members of this city's dynamic and diverse cultural workforce that makes New York vibrant and special," Andrea said. "He worked tirelessly to mobilize support for typhoon relief for the Philippines. An attack on Randy is an attack on the entire cultural community."
The Alliance urges all New Yorkers to stand in solidarity until justice is served for Randy.
Join the prayer vigil tonight.
Learn more in these news reports:
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Fnew_york&id=9407433
http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/friends-hold-vigil-for-journalist-beaten-in-midtown-1.6882418
Make a donation to help with medical expenses:
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/for-randy-gener/130589
Contact:
Andrea Louie, Executive Director
Asian American Arts Alliance
The Asian American Arts Alliance is dedicated to strengthening Asian American arts and cultural groups through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. Since 1983, the Alliance has sought to unify, promote and represent the artistic and cultural producers of one of New York City's fastest-growing ethnic populations.
The organization is a diverse alliance of artists, organizations, and arts supporters who believe that working together as a pan-ethnic, multidisciplinary community is essential to nurturing the development of artists and arts organizations and to providing meaningful and innovative ways for civic engagement in society. www.aaartsalliance.org
