Advancing Justice-Atlanta reflects on the second anniversary of the Atlanta Spa
We call for a radical reimagining of what justice, healing, love, and hope can look like for our communities.
Dear friends,
On March 16, 2021, we lost eight lives, including six Asian migrant women, to racist and patriarchal violence at three spas in metro Atlanta. As we mark the second anniversary of this devastating tragedy, our hearts remain with the survivors and the victims’ families, as they continue to heal and seek peace.
In these past two years, we’ve continued to witness violence inflicted on different communities across the country. From Atlanta to Indianapolis, Memphis, Monterey Park, and Half Moon Bay, we recognize that white supremacy, patriarchy, and imperialism are the troubling systems at the core of continued violence not just against Asian Americans but against all communities of color. We continue to reject the idea that the carceral system or an increased police presence will keep us safe. We must challenge these harmful solutions, including current efforts to further militarize police in Atlanta, and instead demand policies that prioritize community safety, healing, and justice for all. In the courtroom, at the polls, and in the streets, Advancing Justice - Atlanta will keep fighting to dismantle unjust systems, and to build a fair and equitable society for all.
We call for a radical reimagining of what justice, healing, love, and hope can look like for our communities. Together, we’ll continue to organize for our communities’ most pressing needs: community safety and healing; racial and economic justice; stable housing; access to quality health care; including mental health and education; a livable wage; the right to vote; the right to organize; and for art and beauty in our neighborhoods.
In the wake of this violence, the positive change we have seen is the power of community care and support in the way that our local and national networks have uplifted and centered the families of victims and survivors. Grieving and healing is a long process, and we are grateful to those near and far who have come together to join our community on this journey.
On this second anniversary, if you are in the Metro Atlanta area, visit the Memorial tree at the Blackburn Park. For those who cannot visit, we ask that you take a moment of quiet reflection to remember those lost and reaffirm your commitment to care for our community and build a world where all Black and brown communities can live free from violence.
Advancing Justice - Atlanta
