The Asian Pacific American Resource Center community is devastated by the mass violence in Atlanta, Georgia on March 16, which resulted in the deaths of eight people, including six women of Asian descent. We stand in solidarity with the victims, the Asian American community in Georgia, and everyone impacted by this violence. We mourn the deaths of the victims and honor their lives, and send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and communities.
Unfortunately, this racialized and gendered violence is nothing new, and is at the intersection of anti-Asian racism, sexism, and xenophobia. This violence is symptomatic of the broader histories and systems of white supremacy, misogyny, and conquest, which have always devalued the lives of Asian people, and particularly the lives of Asian women. This blatant attack is connected with and adds to the rise in anti-Asian violence and fear-mongering discourses. We urge everyone to work together to end the racial and gendered systems of oppression and violence that continue to divide us.
It is also critical to name the fatigue that reverberates within our communities instigated by constant loss, fear, hate, and violence. While we continue to root ourselves in the power our communities hold, we also call on allies and accomplices to show solidarity and to collectively work towards dismantling systemic violence. Furthermore, our leaders and elected officials must take swift action to address the xenophobia that continues to target our communities.
We firmly believe that, like all communities, Asian Americans are deserving of life, respect, safety, dignity, love, joy, and freedom. To our beloved U of M Asian American community, we feel you, we hear you, and we are here for you. We are resilient and remain committed to cultivating an affirming community with you. You are not alone.
APARC will be holding a processing space in partnership with student leaders. We will share information about this soon.
With heavy hearts,
Asian Pacific American Resource Center