Statement on murders and continuing anti-Asian hate crimes

Today, we join our neighbors across our region and millions of Americans to condemn and mourn the murders of eight people, including seven women, six of them of Asian descent, in three locations around the metropolitan area.

We believe these acts of violence against our fellow Americans defy human dignity and decency. We speak loudly and stand together against racism and misogyny to be the beloved community we aspire to be.

Anti-Asian hate crime and violence is unacceptable. Anti-women crime and violence is unacceptable. We commit to take a hard look at our history, our biases, and our values. We commit to examine the part each play in this violence and to engage in driving policy change, supporting nonprofits and working with individuals through our collective voice and philanthropic co-investment to ensure these acts of violence are in our past, not our future.

This mass shooting is yet another wake-up call for the daily violence experienced by women of all races who find themselves in similar circumstances. As individuals, as neighbors, as a city and as a nation, join us to mourn and to reflect on your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and the rights and safety of every person in this nation. To get involved, visit here.

As your community foundation, we will not sit idly by. We will take a stand for all our fellow neighbors. 

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Community Foundation donors – are you seeking a way to help? Reach out to your philanthropic officer for a list of organizations working with the victims’ families and advocating for long-term change.

Photo by Melissa Bugg