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.