In response to a string of violent incidents and bullying reported by Chinese community members in and around schools across NYC, Documented, a nonprofit newsroom focused on immigrant communities, and Flushing, Queens-based Glow Cultural Center, are bringing together community partners and city agencies to support local youth and their parents to address safety concerns in the Chinese community.

On Saturday, August 23, the “Say ‘No’ to Violence: Creating Safe Schools & Prosperous Communities” community event will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Glow Cultural Center, 133-29 41st Avenue, Floor 1 in Flushing.

You can register for the event here.

The event will bring together students, parents, educators, and public officials to discuss how to better protect youth from bullying and violence — and how to build stronger, more connected communities in the process. 

“As a journalist, I’ve heard from so many families concerned about the safety of their children at school,” said April Xu, senior reporter for the Chinese community at Documented. “This event is our way of bringing people together to share resources, hear each other’s concerns, and talk about real solutions.”

Liang Ming, director of programs at Glow Cultural Center, said, “Glow Cultural Center is proud to co-host this event because it reflects our core mission: supporting youth, uplifting cultural identity, and fostering collaboration. When we nurture belonging and pride in our communities, we avert violence and promote unity in our community.”

The afternoon will include a panel discussion featuring educators, youth leaders, parent advocates, community organizations and government officials. The panelists include:

The event will also feature a self-defense demonstration by Dragon Combat Club, singing performances by Sol Sharp Music Education, an interactive Playback Theatre performance on anti-bullying and a presentation by the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) on anti-Asian hate trends, youth reporting, and school-based bias.

One of the afternoon’s highlights will be the announcement of winners from Documented’s first bilingual youth essay contest, titled “A Tradition That I Hope Never Disappears,” celebrating cultural heritage and the voices of Chinese American youth. 

Following the main program, attendees will be invited to connect with organizations that offer resources to the Chinese community, including the Queens DA’s Office, Dragon Combat Club, Higher with Our Parent Engagement (HOPE), Garden of Hope, Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), New York City Residents Alliance, Glow Cultural Center, Documented, and Committee of 100.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Location: Glow Cultural Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 1st Floor, Flushing, NY 11355

The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP using the following link and receive a gift at the event: docu.nyc/SafeSchools.

For more information, please contact april.xu@documentedny.com or liang.ming@glownyc.org.