ASPIRE PAC Statement on 3/16 Anniversary

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, ASPIRE PAC Chair Grace Meng released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the Atlanta spa shootings: 

“Today we lift up and honor the eight people who tragically lost their lives, including the six Asian American women. The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has faced senseless hate and violence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, hate and violence that continues to occur even this past week. The anti-AAPI hate our community has faced these past two years is underscored by the discrimination and violence our AAPI families and women have experienced throughout history. The AAPI community demands to be seen, and we must honor them with action.

“The AAPI community is just as American as any other community in our great nation, and that’s why we must all stand together in solidarity and put an end to anti-AAPI hate. I was proud to work alongside my Democratic colleagues and the Biden administration to put into place the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to ensure the Justice Department can address these heinous acts. But we must continue to do more to ensure the safety and security of our community. We must ensure the DOJ and local law enforcement have the tools they need to handle AAPI hate crimes. And we must recognize and honor the contributions and culture of the AAPI community with a museum that can inspire and teach younger generations. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues as we seek to honor the victims of the Atlanta shooting and all those who have faced anti-AAPI hate with more action.”

Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Rising & Empowering Political Action Committee (ASPIRE PAC) is the political arm of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Members of Congress. ASPIRE PAC is committed to supporting candidates of AAPI descent and incumbents who represent large communities of AAPI voters. According to the 2020 census, the AAPI community is the fastest-growing demographic in the country. In addition, in 2020 the AAPI community increased its voter turnout more than any other community of color. ASPIRE PAC is chaired by Congresswoman Grace Meng. There are currently 21 AAPI Members of Congress, including two U.S. Senators.

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