One year ago today, a gunman killed eight people at multiple spas in Atlanta. Six of the victims were women of Asian descent: Soon Chung Park, Hyun Jung Grant, Suncha Kim, Yong Ae Yue, Xiaojie Tan, and Daoyou Feng. Delaina Ashley Yaun and Paul Andre Michels were also killed in the shootings.

Anti-Asian and Pacific Island hate crimes have continued to increase since Covid-19, and perpetrators often target the most vulnerable such as women and the elderly.

The Takeaway speaks with Phi Nguyen, Executive Director for Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, about the work her organization is doing to mobilize AAPI communities in Georgia.

Sonal Shah, Interim Executive Vice President of Worldwide Network Advancement and board member of the Asian American Foundation, also joins to discuss the policies and initiatives necessary to end anti-AAPI hate.

And Congresswoman Grace Meng, who represents New York’s 6th Congressional District, joins to discuss her work on legislation to protect AAPI communities.