The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has directly impacted all Americans, nowhere more so than in New York City, one of the original epicenters of the pandemic in the United States. But while Americans may be united in their suffering because of the pandemic, the pandemic has also divided American communities. The impact of the pandemic on the Asian-American community in New York City is particularly profound. Beyond the pandemic’s effect on public health, economic growth, education, medical services, food supply, and international relations, the Asian-American community has been blamed for the pandemic and the target of hate and violence. What are the contributing factors and causes for this disturbing rise in anti-Asian hate and violence? And what actions have politicians, law enforcement, and community organizations taken to address anti-Asian hate and violence? How can we keep Asian Americans safe in America?
Co-executive editors Chris Kwok and Karen King will present the Asian American Bar Association of New York’s recently released report that discusses the data showing that anti-Asian hate and violence have skyrocketed in 2020, focusing on the New York City region.
Christopher M. Kwok is a mediator and arbitrator with JAMS, specializing in Labor & Employment law. He was previously the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Coordinator at the U.S. Equal Employment Commission in the New York District office.
Mr. Kwok serves as the Board Director and Issues Committee Chair for the Asian American Bar Association of New York. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Hunter College/CUNY and New York City College of Technology/CUNY.
Mr. Kwok received his B.A from Cornell University with a major in Government and minor in Asian American studies. He earned his J.D. from UCLA Law School, where he was an Editor of the Asian American Pacific Islander Law Journal.
Karen King is a Partner at Morvillo Abramowitz, Grand Iason & Anello PC., with over 20 years of experience in complex commercial litigation, BSA/AML and OFAC compliance and enforcement matters, securities litigation and regulation, internal investigations, and strategic advice. Ms. King also serves as Vice-Chair of the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee for the Asian American Bar Association of New York.
Ms. King has been recognized for her commitment to pro bono work. She was the recipient of the Federal Bar Council’s Thurgood Marshall Award for Exceptional Pro Bono Service in 2019, as well as the Pro Bono award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.
Ms. King received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2000, where she was an editor of the Journal of Law and Technology, and her B.A. from Yale University in 1997.
