NBA player Jordan Clarkson helps Filipino food truck vandalized with anti-Asian graffiti
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson helped a food truck business after it was vandalized last week with Anti-Asian slurs and insulting graphics.
The Yum Yum Food Truck serves Asian fusion and Filipino dishes in northern Utah.
The incident caught the attention of authorities and the public including the Filipino-American basketball player.
Jordan plays for the Utah Jazz in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The 29-year-old versatile guard joined forces with other people in the community to help restore the food truck and get it ready in time for the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Salt Lake City happening on Saturday.
“It hurt me deeply to see that Salt Lake's @yumyumasian food truck was recently vandalized - I know the pain that hateful language and racism causes. With help from @identitygraphixwe'll be able to restore the truck and hopefully lift Ben and his family's spirit!! #StopAsianHate,” Jordan wrote on Twitter.
Jordan also wrote, “I stand in solidarity with Utah's Filipino community - love is more powerful than hate!”
Yum Yum Food Truck thanked Jordan and everyone who showed concern following the unfortunate incident.
“It has been an emotional few days. The love and support that we got from all of you has been deeply heartfelt. My family can't thank you guys enough.
“Special thanks to Utah Jazz's Jordan Clarkson and Dan from Identity graphics for the new look. We want to thank everyone individually in a couple weeks when we have our LOVE celebration in the park and feed the community.
“Thanks to Mayor Joy Petro, Councilman Clint Morris, Councilman Zach Bloxham, Dustin, everyone in the neighborhood and all of you angels. Love prevails. We are going to have our grand reopening this Saturday at the Philippine Independence Day celebration.”
In a separate post, the food truck thanked the NBA star for his “continued support and encouragement.”
Jordan replied by saying that he will be visiting soon to “get a plate.”
The Utah Jazz is currently playing in the second round of the NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The team took Game 1 yesterday, June 9 (Philippine time), in their best-of-seven series with Jordan contributing 18 points highlighted with six 3-pointers to help the Jazz mount a comeback.
Jordan won this season's NBA Sixth Man of the Year award for his valuable contribution to the Jazz's campaign this season.
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