Dear community,

 

It is with grief that I write this message to all of you. As many of us prepared for bed last night, we heard from our friends and family about the tragedy in Atlanta: a mass shooting that left multiple people dead—nearly all of whom were Asian American women.

 

It is also impossible not to recognize that this incident happened at a time of increased public displays of anti-Asian American bias, discrimination, and hate. Acknowledging the context of this crime is crucial for processing it. Regardless of any stated motivation by the perpetrator, it is, at its heart, a crime against women who are Asian American. Moving forward, this context must not be forgotten.

 

Too many in our Asian American community have been so traumatized that they are desensitized to hate crimes. And in emotional self-protection they will only have the energy to shake their heads and lament. Others will feel the familiar spark of fear, of anger, of a desire for action in the face of injustice. Most of us will look to our family, friends, and community leaders for advice and guidance as we seek healing and justice. 

 

Community safety is a real concern in these times. Yes, most bias crimes are usually the actions of an individual. But the increase in publicly voiced anti-Asian American sentiment parallels an increase in crimes of bias. We cannot, should not, and will not ignore the increased danger to our community.

 

This month, our state passed the one-year mark of its peacetime emergency following the arrival of the COVID-19 virus in our homes and hospitals. We also observe the one-year anniversary of a drastic spike in anti-Asian sentiment that permeated every corner of our state and our nation. Furthermore, the tragedy in Atlanta is a sobering reminder that violence against women has been, and continues to be, a pernicious fact of life in all our communities.

 

This tragic news from Atlanta is a stark reminder of the work we have yet to do to heal our communities. It is a reminder of the imperative to face racism and misogyny, evils that too often become the basis for violence.

 

Our Council is paying attention. The trauma experienced within our Asian American community is not going unnoticed and will not go without an ongoing search for justice, for truth, and for healing. We at the Council will continue to work for change alongside our peer councils—the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage and the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs. For a slight against one of us is a slight against all of us, and despite what many in our world are telling us, we are stronger together.

 

Regards,

 

Executive Director