NORCROSS, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Outside the Korean Community Center in Norcross, there’s a sign that says, “Rise Against Hate.” It is a sad reminder of a string of shootings three years ago that killed eight people, including six people of Asian descent.
“We’re here today because there has been a lot of violence perpetrated against Asian Americans,” said event organizer Tyler Lee.
It was a somber yet upbeat affair with several purposes: engage the Asian American community, to mourn, and to celebrate Asian-American heritage.
It was also a rallying cry for change.
“I can’t see my friends dying, and I certainly don’t want to be the next victim of gun violence and anti-Asian rhetoric,” Lee said.
But improvement can be hard to recognize in the years since COVID and the shooting.
“Has it gotten worse, or has it gotten better? I think it’s probably the same,” said Amy Yeh, whose daughter sang at the event.
The uncertainty is why events like this are important for Americans of all kinds.
“We are the same,” Yeh said. “We are not different. We are all Americans.”
There were speakers, dances, and singing, and a reading of a letter signed by Vice President Kamala Harris, reading in part:
As we honor and remember those individuals who lost their lives and support the survivors, we recognize that hate-fueled gun violence must not prevent us from fulfilling our Nation’s promise of freedom and justice for all.
“If we had a waiting period in order, if we had the background checks, if we had asked people who were related to him, you know, what might he do with a firearm, this could have been prevented,” Lee said.
But change doesn’t happen overnight, and Lee believes the only way to change the future is change the narrative.
“They don’t vote. They don’t speak English,” Lee said of Asian stereotypes. “I want them to understand we speak English, and we vote, and we run for office, and we win.”
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