New York, NY, March 18, 2021 —  We are horrified by the violence in the Atlanta community that has left eight people dead, including six Asian American women. These attacks happen against the backdrop of increased racism and violent attacks against Asian Americans - across the US and in Georgia - and increasing nativist rhetoric in public discourse. Asian American women bear the brunt of these attacks, making up 68 percent of the 3,800 incidents that occured in the past year.

Although the suspect is in custody, the real fear and terror created by his actions and perpetuated by others in America will continue to terrorize members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, as well as other communities of color facing violence and discrimination. This was clearly also a despicable act of violence against women, with reports of sexual violence as a motive.

Join us in speaking out against hate crimes and xenophobia in US communities. Reach out to friends and colleagues who may be impacted by this; follow Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta, who are working to identify the needs of impacted families; and learn through the following safety and anti-racism resources to start conversations within your own networks:

http://bit.ly/AAPIHateGAReport
https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/
https://stopaapihate.org/actnow/

Safety Tips for Those Experiencing or Witnessing Hate:
https://stopaapihate.org/resources/

These tragic events show that we have much work to do to realize the welcoming communities we believe America stands for. We must continue to stand up for the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as we push back against the social, cultural, and political forces that continue to encourage these xenophobic ideologies.

#StopAsianHate

 

In Atlanta, the IRC works with the community in Georgia to create opportunities for refugees and immigrants to integrate and thrive. Our programs are designed to ensure refugees thrive in American life— through integration, workforce development, or other support services. The IRC in Atlanta partners with community members who make these services available to the refugee community thanks to their donations, contributions, and volunteering.