We Are Heartbroken
During this Heritage Month, we should be celebrating our culture and our immense contributions to the world and the nation. Instead, we are mourning the victims of targeted mass shootings and escalating acts of hate and violence against the API and other communities of color across the nation.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and all who have been affected by these unacceptable acts of hatred and violence.
In recent months we have witnessed an increase in violent and deadly incidents across the country including the:
Killing of one and wounding of five at the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, CA.
Racially motivated massacre in Buffalo, NY of ten people and the wounding of three others at a black neighborhood supermarket.
Murder of Zinat Hossain, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi student pushed in front of oncoming New York City subway, like the horrific murder of Michelle Gao in January of this year.
Shooting of three at a Korean American hair salon in Dallas, TX — an incident potentially connected to two earlier attacks at Asian-run businesses.
Brutal attack against two Sikh men visiting New York from India.
Reported hate crimes against Asians between 2020-2021 increased by 300+ percent. In fact, there were nearly 11,000 anti-Asian hate incidents reported from March 2020-December 2021. These brutal and senseless acts of violence, whether racially or politically motivated, whether inter-racial or inter-Asian, have no place in our society.
The roots and evolution of racism and violence in American society are complex. Addressing them and ultimately extricating them will require a unified and steadfast commitment. Our communities and our workplaces are interconnected. The need to be physically and mentally protected in our workplaces and communities at large are essential to our wellbeing. Ascend has created safe spaces to engage in authentic conversations and have launched initiatives on combating hate, on building allyship — both among the diverse API communities, and with other racial and ethnic groups — and on educating on the rich, diverse, and shared life experiences of Asians and other historically marginalized groups.
Recent weeks have been filled with mixed emotions for me. My heart remains heavy when I reflect on the senseless loss of lives from these recurring acts of hate and violence. The work in front of us to make our society a better place often feels daunting. However, this past weekend was also filled with joy, happiness and hope for the future as I am in Boston celebrating my daughter’s college graduation. I remain optimistic that with the unwavering commitment of the Class of 2022 and those of us already in the workforce working together for a brighter future, we will continue to make progress.
Let’s #AscendTogether to collectively affect positive change that encompasses diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging for all.
With Gratitude,
Anna Mok
Ascend & Ascend Foundation, President & Executive Board Chair
Ascend Pinnacle Co-Founder