HR1700: HR1700 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

26 LC 112 3901 House Resolution 1700 By: Representative Park of the 107th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and honoring Stephanie Cho, Sonjui Kumar, Sarah Park, Victoria Huynh, and1 Aparna Bhattacharyya for their extraordinary leadership followi ng the Atlanta-area spa2 shootings and their ongoing commitment to justice, healing, and the safety of Asian3 American communities in Georgia; and for other purposes.4 WHEREAS, on March 16, 2021, the State of Georgia and the nation were shaken by the5 tragic shootings at three Atlanta-area spas that claimed eight lives, including six women of6 Asian descent, devastating families and communities as well as profoundly impacting the7 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community; and8 WHEREAS, the tragedy highlighted the rise in anti-Asian violence and the intersection of9 racial bias, gender-based violence, and vulnerabilities faced b y immigrant women in10 marginalized industries; and11 WHEREAS, the AAPI community in metro Atlanta, one of the fastes t-growing and most12 vibrant in the nation, demonstrated resilience, unity, and compassion by supporting grieving13 families, advocating for justice, and reaffirming its commitmen t to dignity, safety, and14 belonging; and15 H. R. 1700 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3901 WHEREAS, the event underscored the critical need for culturally and linguistically16 responsive services for immigrant communities, especially immig rant women who face17 barriers related to language, economic vulnerability, and fear of seeking help; and18 WHEREAS, community leaders across Georgia mobilized in the immediate aftermath and19 in subsequent years to support victims' families, ensure culturally responsive services, and20 amplify the voices of those most affected; and21 WHEREAS, Stephanie Cho, then executive director of Asian Americ ans Advancing22 Justice-Atlanta and now executive director of Demo Lab South, l ed a culturally and23 trauma-informed rapid response, mobilized local and national pa rtners, established and24 managed a victims' fund, and advanced policy and media engagement to address anti-Asian25 hate and systemic inequities; and26 WHEREAS, Sonjui Kumar, board chair of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta and27 founding member of KPPB Law, provided leadership in the organiz ation's28 community-centered response, supported the victims' fund, offered probate services to the29 victims, and strengthened coalitions advocating for civil rights and community protections;30 and31 WHEREAS, Sarah Park, president of the Korean American Coalition - Metro Atlanta and32 the first Korean American elected to the Duluth City Council, served as a strong voice for33 the Korean American community, mobilizing outreach, multilingua l direct services,34 advocacy, and public awareness to ensure the experiences of Asi an American women and35 immigrant workers were recognized; and36 H. R. 1700 - 2 - 26 LC 112 3901 WHEREAS, Victoria Huynh, longtime advocate for Asian American communities, former37 vice president of a local Asian nonprofit, and founder of the Georgia AAPI Hub, coordinated38 advocacy, remembrance events, engaging community grassroots organizations and leaders39 through the Georgia Stop AAPI Hate Coalition, and collective re sponses that honored the40 victims while strengthening community solidarity and resilience; and41 WHEREAS, Aparna Bhattacharyya, executive director of Raksha Inc., served as a bridge to42 victim advocates and mass violence response professionals, conn ecting the community43 response to leaders experienced in administering victim funds a nd providing culturally44 responsive trauma-informed services while elevating the interse ction of gender-based45 violence and anti-Asian hate; and46 WHEREAS, the leadership of these women exemplifies the critical role Asian American47 women play in advocating for justice, healing, and safety, particularly in moments of crisis;48 and49 WHEREAS, it is fitting during Women's History Month to recogniz e their courage,50 compassion, and determination in organizing rapid community responses, honoring victims,51 supporting families, and empowering communities to seek justice and healing; and52 WHEREAS, through collaboration with organizations, faith leader s, advocates, and53 policymakers, these leaders coordinated vigils, provided cultur ally competent resources,54 advocated for victims' families, and elevated discussions on community safety, racial justice,55 and the dignity of Asian American women; and56 H. R. 1700 - 3 - 26 LC 112 3901 WHEREAS, as Georgia marks the fifth anniversary of the Atlanta-area spa shootings, it is57 proper to recognize the individuals whose compassion, leadershi p, and tireless advocacy58 continue to guide communities toward justice, healing, and unity; and59 WHEREAS, the dedication and service of Stephanie Cho, Sonjui Ku mar, Sarah Park,60 Victoria Huynh, and Aparna Bhattacharyya reflect the highest ideals of leadership and civic61 engagement, strengthening Georgia's commitment to dignity, resp ect, and safety for all62 communities.63 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that64 the members of this body recognize and honor Stephanie Cho, Son jui Kumar, Sarah Park,65 Victoria Huynh, and Aparna Bhattacharyya for their extraordinary leadership, unwavering66 commitment to victims, and dedication to strengthening communit ies following the67 Atlanta-area spa shootings.68 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized69 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to70 Stephanie Cho, Sonjui Kumar, Sarah Park, Victoria Huynh, and Aparna Bhattacharyya.71 H. 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