I am absolutely heartbroken by the mass shooting that took place in the Atlanta-area on March 16th. Three Asian businesses were targeted by a gunman, who shot and killed eight people. Six of the eight people killed were Asian, and all but one were women. I cried myself to sleep that night. I cried for the victims and their families. I cried for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. I cried out of frustration, fear, and exhaustion.
The mass shooting is part of a long history of anti-AAPI racism and hate in this country, however, there has been a dramatic increase since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Our community is traumatized as we continue to hear stories about hate crimes happening across the nation – a Chinese woman set on fire in Brooklyn, a Filipino-American man slashed across the face with a knife while on the NYC subway, a St. Paul woman threatening Asian guardians while driving along a school bus route.
Our Asian American adoptee community has the added dynamic of a majority of us having been adopted into and raised by Caucasian families. It has been difficult to experience the world so differently than my family during an already isolating year. The hardest element for me has been the lack of personal safety I have felt, to the point where I have not been going anywhere after dark.
While the past year has been filled with many challenges, I have been grateful for the slower pace of life that was forced upon us. It has allowed me the opportunity to reflect and reprioritize. I now see being a Korean American woman as a gift, which has not always been the case. I see the importance in using my voice to speak up for my community. We cannot continue living this way, but we cannot fight this fight on our own. Everyone needs to join together and unite in the fight against racism and hate so we can work towards justice and much needed healing for all.
To my AAPI community, you are not alone. I grieve with you. I stand with you. You are valued and you belong here. Find your voice and continue to use it. Surround yourself with those who support you unconditionally. Prioritize self-care and make time to do the things that bring you joy. Remember to give yourself grace.
To our allies, please check in with your AAPI loved ones and continue to do so. I encourage you to educate yourself on the history of anti-AAPI racism and stay informed about the hate crimes impacting the AAPI community. Speak up and act when you witness racism or hate. Support local AAPI-owned small businesses and donate to organizations fighting anti-AAPI hate. Stand in solidarity with us.
Please remember, AdopteeBridge is always here to support adoptees and adoptive family members. The organization’s resources can be found online at www.adopteebridge.org and AdopteeBridge can give referrals for additional services, as needed.
In solidarity,
Sarah Cook (she/her/hers)
AdopteeBridge Board President + Proud Korean American Adoptee