On March 16, three years ago, a horrific series of mass shootings at massage parlors in the Atlanta area resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, six of whom were of Asian descent. In response to this tragic hate crime, Asian American activists convened at the Kabuki Hotel in Japantown, San Francisco, to honor the victims with a memorial.
During the event, four notable advocates for Asian American rights shared their thoughts. The lineup included Justin Zhu, the founder of Stand with Asian Americans; poet Jennifer S. Cheng; journalist Helen Zia; and Hudson Liao, the founder of Asians Are Strong.
“Unity is the best response we can offer against racism, hatred, and violence,” Zhu emphasized, underscoring the importance of this anniversary for the Asian American community. He celebrated their resilience while paying tribute to those who lost their lives and encouraged participants to hold candles in remembrance of the victims.
Reflecting on the deceased, Cheng noted that many were immigrants, including mothers and grandmothers. She moved the crowd by reciting several of her poems, one of which resonated deeply: “Dear community, I never imagined my mother’s body would feel so far away from me.”
Helen Zia, a long-time champion against anti-Asian hate and systemic racism, used her speech to highlight various incidents of discrimination. She stressed that society must take accountability for its complacency. Zia pointed out that beyond the hate crimes themselves, the neglect of the consequences complicates the fight against Asian hate.
Hudson Liao took the opportunity not only to remember the lives tragically lost but also to call attention to a recent attack in San Francisco where an elderly Asian woman was killed. He specifically mentioned the case of Mrs. Wu, who died after being pushed to the ground. Liao revealed that community organizations had sought video evidence from the police but were met with refusal. While initial reports suggested the incident was accidental, it was alarming that the same suspect attacked another elderly woman just this March. At the memorial, he pressed government officials for transparency and accountability in handling these cases.
According to a Pew Research Center report, 58% of Asian Americans have reported facing discrimination. The Asian community continues to navigate significant challenges related to workplace equity, mental health, and a lack of political representation. The fight for the protection of Asian American rights remains a long and difficult journey.
