Friend,

This week, eight people -- including six Asian-American women -- were shot and killed in a mass shooting in Atlanta. Like so many, I am shocked and devastated by this senseless violence. My heart goes out to the families of those we lost, as well as our entire greater Atlanta community.

Since the start of the COVID crisis, Asian-Americans have faced increasing levels of vitriol and violence -- fueled in part by racist and hateful rhetoric surrounding the pandemic.

I stand in solidarity with the AAPI community and will continue working to disarm hate and ensure that all Americans can feel safe wherever they are, whether that’s at work, at school, or in public spaces.

Friend, our greater Atlanta is in mourning, and it will take work to begin the healing process and move forward, together. But know this: Hate will not stand. Violence will not stand. And we must reject racism in all forms.

In solidarity,

Carolyn