Rocker makes video to combat racism against Chinese community during coronavirus fears

An artist from Brooklyn is reaching out to a community that is feeling stigmatized as the number of people diagnosed with coronavirus in New York continues to soar.

News 12 Staff

Mar 6, 2020, 11:30 AM

Updated 1,603 days ago

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An artist from Brooklyn is reaching out to a community that is feeling stigmatized as the number of people diagnosed with coronavirus in New York continues to soar.
Duke Sims, from the rock band Shinobi Ninja, is standing with the Asian community and says he hopes to make a difference.
Sims says ever since coronavirus made its way to the United States, things have changed in New York City.

“There is a certain energy that people are treating the Chinese people with,” says Sims.
MORE: Coronavirus special: Medical experts tackle questions on COVID-19

Sims released a new music video that shows him joining together with members of the Bensonhurst community to give out fresh produce with the nonprofit Health Essential Association.

"For me it's just about coming and dispelling that and being like you know people are people man, you have to just show love to everyone and you know it's almost like a form of racism so we have to we have to do that with our love,” says Sims.
He says he's hoping to show people that just because the virus was first detected in China, there's no reason to treat people in the Chinese community any differently.
“The only way to undo fear is with love. Knowledge is power, so the more you can show that I'm not scared or if he's not scared that maybe I shouldn't be scared either,” says Sims.

Sims says he loves the community and enjoyed making the music video with those who live in the neighborhood he is from. 
"Anytime I can come back to the waters that birthed me I'm going to come and spread the love,” says Sims.

He says he's hoping his art will open people's eyes and make a difference.


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