Last March 16, the third anniversary of the Atlanta spa shootings, hundreds of Asian Americans and allies came together in events and gatherings across the country to honor victims of hate, demand action, and build unity and solidarity in the face of racism and discrimination.
This year’s events, “Stand Together: Remembering 3/16” featured Asian American leaders, activists, artists and community members addressing anti-Asian hate, voter engagement, multiracial solidarity and mental health.
”Unity is our strongest response to racism, hate and violence. The anniversary of the Atlanta Spa shootings are a significant day for Asian American communities — to honor the lives lost and show the power of our communities by standing together,” said Justin Zhu, co-founder of Stand with Asian Americans, a lead organizer of events in San Francisco and New York City and a sponsor of other events including in Atlanta.
Today, according to Pew, 58 percent of Asian Americans report experiencing discrimination, and Asian American communities face critical issues including workplace discrimination, mental health concerns, and lack of political representation. The national commemoration of the Atlanta spa shootings represents how Asian American communities are committed to turning shared experiences and trauma into power.
Events were held in Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles with a national livestream on AsianJusticeMovement.org. Additionally, Hudson Liao, founder of Asians Are Strong, announced demands related to the death of Ms. Wu on behalf of the Asian Justice Movement.
Highlights from the events:
- On Thursday, March 14, the Atlanta event featured a press conference with Georgia AAPI legislators and advocates at the Georgia Capitol. This was followed by a larger event on March 16 at the Korean Community Center in Norcross, featuring keynote speaker Vilma Kari, a Filipina American NYC hate-crime survivor, with comments and reflections from Mike Webb, family member of one of the Atlanta spa shooting victims; community leaders and activists; local and national government leaders; youth panelists and artistic performances; and a silent vigil.
- The San Francisco event featured musical performances, speakers on mental health and combating workplace discrimination, and voices of activists and survivors of anti-Asian hate.
- The New York event had speakers who are survivors of anti-Asian hate, community leaders and activists who discussed issues from community safety to mental health, and musical performances and dances.
- The Los Angeles event included a panel, small group discussions and story sharing.
Event organizers, sponsors and supporters included Stand with Asian Americans, the Asian Justice Movement, the Georgia AAPI Caucus, Advancing Justice–Atlanta, Dear Community, the Korean Cultural Center-Atlanta, Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Coalition, Asian Pacific American Dispute Resolution Center, Asian Youth Center, Rosemead Park & Recreation, Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment, OCA – Greater Los Angeles, LA County Asian American Employee Association, Together Against Crime Foundation, and the US Department of Justice, Community Relations Service.
