HR 1700: Cho, Stephanie; Sonjui Kumar, Sarah Park, Victoria Huynh, and Aparna Bhattacharyya; extraordinary leadership following the Atlanta-area spa shootings and their ongoing commitment to justice, healing, and the safety of Asian American communities; commend

House Resolution 1700

By: Representative Park of the 107th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and honoring Stephanie Cho, Sonjui Kumar, Sarah Park, Victoria Huynh, and Aparna Bhattacharyya for their extraordinary leadership following the Atlanta-area spa shootings and their ongoing commitment to justice, healing, and the safety of Asian American communities in Georgia; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2021, the State of Georgia and the nation were shaken by the tragic shootings at three Atlanta-area spas that claimed eight lives, including six women of Asian descent, devastating families and communities as well as profoundly impacting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community; and

WHEREAS, the tragedy highlighted the rise in anti-Asian violence and the intersection of racial bias, gender-based violence, and vulnerabilities faced by immigrant women in marginalized industries; and

WHEREAS, the AAPI community in metro Atlanta, one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant in the nation, demonstrated resilience, unity, and compassion by supporting grieving families, advocating for justice, and reaffirming its commitment to dignity, safety, and belonging; and

WHEREAS, the event underscored the critical need for culturally and linguistically responsive services for immigrant communities, especially immigrant women who face barriers related to language, economic vulnerability, and fear of seeking help; and

WHEREAS, community leaders across Georgia mobilized in the immediate aftermath and in subsequent years to support victims' families, ensure culturally responsive services, and amplify the voices of those most affected; and

WHEREAS, Stephanie Cho, then executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta and now executive director of Demo Lab South, led a culturally and trauma-informed rapid response, mobilized local and national partners, established and managed a victims' fund, and advanced policy and media engagement to address anti-Asian hate and systemic inequities; and

WHEREAS, Sonjui Kumar, board chair of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta and founding member of KPPB Law, provided leadership in the organization's community-centered response, supported the victims' fund, offered probate services to the victims, and strengthened coalitions advocating for civil rights and community protections; and

WHEREAS, Sarah Park, president of the Korean American Coalition - Metro Atlanta and the first Korean American elected to the Duluth City Council, served as a strong voice for the Korean American community, mobilizing outreach, multilingual direct services, advocacy, and public awareness to ensure the experiences of Asian American women and immigrant workers were recognized; and

WHEREAS, Victoria Huynh, longtime advocate for Asian American communities, former vice president of a local Asian nonprofit, and founder of the Georgia AAPI Hub, coordinated advocacy, remembrance events, engaging community grassroots organizations and leaders through the Georgia Stop AAPI Hate Coalition, and collective responses that honored the victims while strengthening community solidarity and resilience; and

WHEREAS, Aparna Bhattacharyya, executive director of Raksha Inc., served as a bridge to victim advocates and mass violence response professionals, connecting the community response to leaders experienced in administering victim funds and providing culturally responsive trauma-informed services while elevating the intersection of gender-based violence and anti-Asian hate; and

WHEREAS, the leadership of these women exemplifies the critical role Asian American women play in advocating for justice, healing, and safety, particularly in moments of crisis; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting during Women's History Month to recognize their courage, compassion, and determination in organizing rapid community responses, honoring victims, supporting families, and empowering communities to seek justice and healing; and

WHEREAS, through collaboration with organizations, faith leaders, advocates, and policymakers, these leaders coordinated vigils, provided culturally competent resources, advocated for victims' families, and elevated discussions on community safety, racial justice, and the dignity of Asian American women; and

WHEREAS, as Georgia marks the fifth anniversary of the Atlanta-area spa shootings, it is proper to recognize the individuals whose compassion, leadership, and tireless advocacy continue to guide communities toward justice, healing, and unity; and

WHEREAS, the dedication and service of Stephanie Cho, Sonjui Kumar, Sarah Park, Victoria Huynh, and Aparna Bhattacharyya reflect the highest ideals of leadership and civic engagement, strengthening Georgia's commitment to dignity, respect, and safety for all communities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize and honor Stephanie Cho, Sonjui Kumar, Sarah Park, Victoria Huynh, and Aparna Bhattacharyya for their extraordinary leadership, unwavering commitment to victims, and dedication to strengthening communities following the Atlanta-area spa shootings.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to Stephanie Cho, Sonjui Kumar, Sarah Park, Victoria Huynh, and Aparna Bhattacharyya.