We kick off Asian American Heritage here on NY1 with a look at the growing force of the Chinese community. Record crowds turned out earlier this year to protest what they considered an injustice — the conviction of police officer Peter Liang. Brooklyn reporter Jeanine Ramirez has the story.

They came out by the thousands. The Chinese community gathered in Cadman Plaza in February to support one of their own, convicted police officer Peter Liang.

The rally became one of the largest displays of Chinese activism in city history.

"With this particular case, I've seen that they are all caring about it," said Nancy Tong, district leader for the 47th Assembly District. "They really pay attention to see what is going on."

"With that many people out there, it is unusual for our community to be out on the streets," said Phil Gim, co-founder of the Coalition of Asian Americans for Civil Rights.

Gim was one of the demonstrators that day. And, in several other protests organized after Liang was indicted on manslaughter charges last year in the shooting death of Akai Gurley, who was unarmed.

The rookie's gun went off in a darkened stairwell while patrolling the Pink Houses in East New York. Liang's supporters maintain it was accidental not criminal.

"We felt that he was scapegoated for the system's failure," Gim said.

This banner signed by Liang's supporters hangs at the Coalition of Asian Americans for Civil Rights headquarters. The group was created after Liang's indictment.

"It's really unfair to Peter and we feel that Peter is being discriminated," said John Chan, co-founder of the Coalition of Asian Americans for Civil Rights.

The coalition organized the rallies, promoting them through Chinese newspapers and social media.

"People realize that this particular instance it's a chance for us to raise our voice," Gim said. "Let the country know we are not to be treated lightly."

Over in Gravesend, Assemblyman William Colton's staff helped get people to the rally.

"We arranged a lot of buses to take them there that day," said Colton's Chief of Staff Susan Zhuang.

Liang was sentenced to five years' probation in April. And organizers say the large turnout helped empower the community.

"They finally realize you should be involved and you should participate," Zhuang said.

Now community leaders want to see these numbers at the polls.