Embracing Community in the Midst of Grief

Asian communities gather for Lunar New Year to celebrate by honoring ancestors, playing games and enjoying dumplings (or watching lion dances). Instead of enjoying looking forward to a new year, eighteen lives were taken from two communities in tragic events.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of Yetao Bing, Qizhong Cheng, Marciano Martinez Jimenez, Aixiang Zhang, Jingzhi Lu, Zhishen Liu, Mymy Nhan, Lilian Li, Xiujuan Yu, Valentino Alvero, Muoi Dai Ung, Diana Man Ling Tom, Wen-Tau Yu, Ming Wei Ma, Yu-Lun Kao, Hongying Jian, Chia Ling Yau, the unnamed victim, the San Mateo County and Monterey Park communities, and all those affected by these tragedies.

Thank you to Brandon Tsay, for courageously disarming the Monterey Park shooter, preventing the loss of more lives. 

Congresswoman Judy Chu encouraged President Biden to continue plans to host the first-ever White House celebration of the Lunar New Year; she told him, “Don’t give into fear and sorrow. Don’t do that. Stand in solidarity – in the spirit of toughness that this holiday is all about.”

We can be a connected force for change. 

As a community, continue to show up for each other, embrace differences, and amplify the voices of those most affected.