Once again, we find ourselves mourning the tragic lives lost due to racism in our country. While those investigating the recent hate crime targeting Asian women, which left eight people dead and one injured, are classifying this as a “bad day” for the gunman, for Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, and the other not-yet-identified victims, this was their worst day and their last.
Let’s be clear about one thing: this was a hate crime, just like so many others that are under-counted and under-reported every day in our communities.
This week’s events have sparked a larger conversation about the systemic and ongoing hatred, bigotry, and attacks toward our Asian-Pacific friends, colleagues, and neighbors, both in Atlanta, around our country, and right here at home. In the past year, the nonprofit Stop AAPI Hate received more than 3,800 reports of incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders nationwide, with incidents in Washington State ranking third highest behind California and New York.
As an organization that prides itself on fighting for health care, housing, and food as basic human rights, we know that safety is above all else. This past week’s events are another reminder that racism remains a public health crisis and there is still much work to be done to break down the institutional and racist barriers so many face each and every day.
Our respect for people drives our mission and while we cannot undo the hurt and suffering these events have caused, we will continue to advocate for, support, and provide a safe and inclusive place for our Asian-Pacific staff, volunteers, clients, and community. I am committed to listening, learning, and doing my part to promote healing, understanding, and meaningful action within our organization.
Please join me in taking a stand and fighting against racism and inequity.
In Solidarity,
Claire Neal
Lifelong CEO