A Community Vigil for the family of Du Doan

Chicago, September 8, 2007 - More than 80 people gathered at Montrose Harbor today to attend a community vigil to remember Mr. Du Doan. Mr. Doan, a Vietnamese American fisherman, was pushed off and drowned by the eastern pier one week ago Saturday. "We're here today to unite as a community, to remember, to support the family of Du Doan, and each other," said Tuyet Le, Executive Director of the Asian American Institute (AAI).

Attendees of the Community Vigil wrote messages on a condolence card to the Doan family. Many people expressed their sadness at such a tragic and violent death. "Du Doan died alone but we are gathered here to publicly say that he is not alone; his family is not alone in their grief. We gather in solidarity and remembrance," said Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz.

Community leaders from Japanese American Service Committee and Apna Ghar also spoke of unity and encouraged Asian Americans to continue to speak out and report on violence and crimes against the community.

The vigil was sponsored by the Asian American Institute in partnership with more than 20 community organizations including:

Apna Ghar, Asian Pacific Americans for Progress, Asian Health Coalition of Illinois, Asian Human Services, Cambodian Association of Illinois, Chicago China News, Chinese American Civic Council, Chinese American Service League, Chinese Center for Seniors, Chinese Community Center, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Indo-American Center, Japanese American Citizens League, Japanese American Service Committee, Korean American Community Services, Korean American Resource and Cultural Center, Korean American Women in Need, Lao American Community Services, Lao American Organization of Elgin, Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Chicago, Pui Tak Center, Sangat Chicago, Sikh American Heritage Organization, Viet Voice Magazine Dien Dan, Vietnamese Baptist Church of Chicago, Vietnamese Association of Illinois, Vietnamese Seniors Association of Chicago, and Vietnamese Veterans of Illinois.