NEW YORK – Reverend Al Sharpton stood in solidarity with state senator John Liu Saturday, denouncing the uptick in hate crimes against Asian Americans in the last year.

“We understand when we are being singled out for one reason and one reason only, the color of our skin, as some would say, the angle of our eyes,” said State Senator Liu.

The two leaders spoke to an indoor crowd at the National Action Network’s House of Justice at their weekly action rally.

NAN says the room was filled to 25% capacity and claims to be compliant with all state and local COVID protocols.

Rev. Sharpton says the Black community stands with the Asian American community during these difficult times.

“We do not need to be anything but unequivocal in standing against the rise in hate against Asian Americans, because we know what hate feels like,” said Rev. Sharpton.

Both Sharpton and Liu blame the increase in anti-Asian crimes on former President Donald Trump.

They say his reference to COVID-19 as the ‘China Virus,’ fueled hate across the country.

“Despite the advice of community leaders, of advocates, of health and public professionals, to say that it would be inaccurate and downright derogatory to use those terms, 45 didn’t care, he kept using it,” explained Sen. Liu.

According to data released by the group, Stop Asian American and Pacific Islander Hate, from mid-March to the end of 2020, there was 2,800 firsthand reports of anti-Asian hate across 47 states and Washington D.C.

In just the last week, the city has seen three violent, seemingly unprovoked attacks on Asian Americans.

Hundreds of protesters also spoke out against the hate crimes by holding a rally in Washington Square Park and then marching through Chelsea.