Within two days, Asian Americans have come face-to-face with the devastating consequences of gun violence at the hands of two Asian males from our own community.
On January 21, 2023, a gunman opened fire on a Chinese-owned ballroom in Monterey Park, California, and killed 10 people, leaving at least 10 more injured. Two days later, only hours after learning that another victim succumbed to their injuries and passed away -- bringing the total number of deceased victims to 11 people -- 7 farm workers were murdered in Half Moon Bay.
While the violence occurred in California, the Asian American community throughout our country felt the direct impact. We mourn the lives lost and the families now broken.
As more information comes to light about the shooters’ motives, the impact on the Asian American community nationwide remains the same — pain, fear, and concerns about our safety.
Attacks against the Asian American community are not a passing trend, and its consequences are often fatal. While we demand local, state, and federal governments to take greater action to protect our communities from gun violence, we will continue to advocate for greater community safety measures.
RESOURCES
As we grapple with the tragedies that unfolded this week and search for answers, our community is coming together to show what solidarity and collective care look like. Below is a list of resources on how to get involved and support our community.
Show Up
Attend a candlelight vigil to honor the lives lost in our community.
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 6pm
Candlelight begins at 6:30
Location: Star Dance Studio
Address: 122 W. Garvey Ave. #B, Monterey Park, CA 91754
Organized by Compassion in SGV
Contact [email protected] for more information
Contribute
Donate to the MONTEREY PARK LUNAR NEW YEAR VICTIMS FUND to provide financial support to family members of victims and those who have experienced loss. The fund was created by a coalition of organizations including Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), Stop AAPI Hate, Asian Pacific Community Fund, The Asian American Foundation, Stand with Asian Americans, Gold House, AAPI Equity Alliance, Chinatown Service Center, Asian Youth Center and Project by Project. #LNYvictimsfund
AAPI Equity Alliance, an organization working to support and empower Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles county and beyond, has created a resource list for Monterey Park victims and community members. View Resource List Here >>
How do you seek healing? Do you need a space to process, and grief?
The Asian Mental Health Project is hosting a series of free Community Healing Circles this week for Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans to process, heal, grieve with one another. Dates below and link to register are here.
Wednesday, January 25 at 6pm Pacific / 9pm Eastern
Thursday, January 26 at 4:30pm Pacific / 7:30pm Eastern
HATE IS A VIRUS will be hosting a Community Grief Circle for Asian American Pacific Islander folks on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 6pm PST. RSVP Here.
Asian Mental Health Collective (AMHC) offers mental health services and connects individuals to mental health providers. If you have been impacted from the Monterey Park or Half Moon Bay shootings and need emotional support, please contact [email protected]. If you are a mental health counselor and would like to offer your support, please contact [email protected].
Processing grief? According to Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Jeanie Y. Chang, remember to give yourself grace, prioritize finding coping mechanisms that work for you, remember to rest and find a sense of belonging. View this resource for more information.
Browse and connect with an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) mental health care provider using AMHC’s therapist directory here.
Visit Asians for Mental Health to browse and find an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) mental health care provider near you or join the directory if you are a mental health care provider.
The Asian Resource Hub includes a community national resource directory to support Asian communities through which you can find social services support, legal assistance, mental health support and identify opportunities to get involved in civic engagement and policy advocacy. The information is searchable by service, location, and language.
If you are interested in having your organization added to the community resource directory, please complete this interest form.
The Asian Resource Hub is a project of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Southern California and Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC.
