ILF Condemn the Mass Shooting in Georgia and the Ongoing Violence and Attacks Against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, eight Americans were shot and killed in Atlanta, Georgia. Six of them were Asian American women. We join people everywhere in mourning for the victims of the horrific mass shooting in Georgia. This attack comes amid the disturbing nationwide rise in violence against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, exacerbated by misinformation and fear of the COVID-19.

Anti-Asian bias and hate crimes against our communities have existed for centuries and we are now seeing a new alarming resurgence of hate incidents. Since the start of the pandemic, Stop AAPI Hate has received over 3,795 reports of anti-Asian hate incidents. These incidents are no doubt the consequence of the harmful rhetoric that blames AAPIs for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“AAPIs have faced racism and violence throughout our history, and today, this must end. We call on law enforcement authorities to investigate these tragic crimes to the fullest extent of the law and commit to protecting and supporting the AAPI community,” said Linh Hoang, Executive Director of the International Leadership Foundation (ILF), “We send our deepest condolences to the friends and families of the victims of the Georgia mass shooting and we honor them by speaking out against racism and hate by working together for a more inclusive and just future for all.”

ILF is committed to promoting a more inclusive and equitable society. Hate, violence, and bigotry have no home in America. Each of us has a responsibility to prevent misinformation, condemn violence, and unite to stand up for all fellow community members. We mourn for the victims in Georgia, we pledge our renewed commitment to work for a better future where people live with safety, dignity and respect. Asian Americans have contributed much to the founding and success of this nation; we will continue to work with our neighbors to create a brighter future for all.

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About ILF – International Leadership Foundation (ILF) is a non-profit organization that promotes civic engagement, leadership, empowerment, and economic prosperity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to enhance the representation of diversity in our country. The mission of ILF is to cultivate civic-minded future AAPI leaders in public service. Founded in 2000, ILF has provided scholarships and educational programs with over 10,000 AAPI students.