Support from Westport’s Youngest Residents
Paige Toeplitz, 9, holds her handmade sign today on Jesup Green in protest of Asian hate.
The Community Comes Together: “Spread the Virus of Love”
Westporter Rosie Jon speaks to the crowd of over 100 community members on love, and its need in society, during this morning’s protest against AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) hate. “We need to spread the virus of love”, Jon said before asking the crowd to bow their heads in self-reflection. Jon’s message visibly resonated with the audience of adults and children from all backgrounds, with tears flowing from the eyes of many as she spoke.
The protests came after the recent murders of members of the AAIP community in Georgia. This past year has seen an influx of anti-asian rhetoric and hate crimes; their racist foundations coming from the false narratives surrounding the coronavirus crisis. Today’s peaceful protest featured local, state, and federal leaders alongside high schoolers, adults, and other community members.
Large Turnout for Peaceful Protest
A crowd of over 100 community members joined forces today at Jesup Green to combat hate against the Asian American Pacific Islander community. The crowd was peaceful, with only one heckler speaking out before peacefully retreating to the crowd. Westport Police leaders and officers were on-hand in support of peace and to assure safety of the event. No issues were reported, with the protest ending with messages of love as crowds began to disperse.
Morning Weather Report [03/27/21] Best Day of the Weekend
Today
Sunny, with a high near 63. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tonight
A 20 percent chance of showers after 3am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 42. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph after midnight.
Tomorrow
Showers, mainly after 9am. Areas of fog after noon. High near 61. Southeast wind 8 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
Showers, mainly before 9pm. Areas of fog before midnight. Low around 41. West wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.