WASHINGTON - The killings of Asian American women in Atlanta last evening have the AAPI community reeling in collective shock and horror. We mourn for the senseless loss of life and for their loved ones. 

The AAPI community is all too familiar with acts of hate and violence, particularly with the escalation of this hate in the last year. But America’s history is riddled with violence against  Asian Americans. Members of the AAPI community have been targets and victims since the beginnings of American history, stemming from fear, ignorance and hatred. Our community deserves the same opportunity as all Americans to achieve the American dream in peace and without fear. 

Right now we need more than words to heal and to keep us safe. We need to know that our government at all levels - the ones AAPIs and all Americans elected - will protect us. 

It is past time to put meaningful measures in place to ensure our community is protected.  Solutions will not be easy and are not the burden for our community and law enforcement to face alone. We must take a hard look at the root causes of this hatred. We must acknowledge the detrimental impact of microaggressions, racist language, bullying, violent acts and murder.  We must reconstitute a national dialogue about race with meaningful and concrete actions that support the harmony of diversity in our country. 

We are grateful and stand with our allies of color who have come out strongly to condemn these acts alongside us. We support the Biden-Harris administration and leaders in Congress who have demanded accountability and action. Together we must stand as a country to stamp out the roots of hate and division. This will not be easy, but we believe our great nation is up to the challenge. Our demand is that our elected leadership take drastic action now. 

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The AAPI Victory Fund is focused on mobilizing Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) eligible voters and moving them to the ballot box.

AAPI Progressive Action works to empower Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, connect AAPI communities and their leaders, and promote awareness and action for progressive AAPI causes.