The senseless violence targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders around the country is deeply disturbing and is affecting our community and our Green City Force family. We mourn the deaths of the eight victims, including six Asian American women, in the hate-crime shootings in the Atlanta area on March 16th, 2021. The names of those who lost their lives include: Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Julie Park, and Hyun-jeong Park Grant (two other names have yet to be released). We understand that many have valid feelings of fear and helplessness and we are committed to supporting our team as much as we can. For all those who are a part of the AAPI community, we stand with you in solidarity. RSVP to join a virtual vigil hosted by Red Canary Song tonight at 8 PM EST to hold space and remember those that were lost in the shooting.
Green City Force is committed to fighting for economic, environmental, and social justice for all people in New York City. We stand as an anti-racist community and organization, in solidarity with people of color in this country and across the world. The issue of systemic and violent anti-Asian racism has always been urgent, particularly so within the past year of increased hate crimes inflicted upon the Asian American community.
For those who are not part of the AAPI community, but want to support, we encourage you to take a moment to educate yourselves on the history and experiences that the Asian American community has endured, here are a few resources:
- The History Of Asian Americans Over 150 Years – 6 minute listen
- The Rise In Anti-Asian Attacks During The COVID-19 Pandemic – 40 minute listen
- The Rise of Asian American Hate Crimes – 1 hour listen
This work is ongoing and sustained action is needed. Things you can do right now include supporting American Asian-led and founded nonprofits:
- Red Canary Song
- Butterfly
- Monsoon Asians and Pacific Islanders
- National Organization of Asians and Pacific Islanders Ending Sexual Violence
- WomanKind
- Stop AAPI Hate Fund
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice
We decry racism, sexism, and white supremacy in all of its forms, and we have a moral obligation to address and undo racism through and in our work and through our words.
In solidarity,
The GCF Team