Leading with Compassion

Four years after the tragic Atlanta shootings on March 16, 2021, Asian Americans came together once again to honor the lives lost and reaffirm our commitment to justice and safety. As we remember the pain of that day, we also recognize the power of compassion in healing, uniting, and driving meaningful change.

This year’s commemoration was a solemn remembrance and a call to lead with empathy and action. We gathered with purpose, engaging in meaningful discussions and developing strategies to address the pressing challenges our communities face today. The breakout sessions tackled critical issues such as mass deportation, the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, knowing our legal rights, and protecting our elders—who remain vulnerable to hate crimes and violence. By centering these discussions in care and understanding, we strengthened our resolve to uplift those most affected.

Young voices also took center stage in this year’s gathering. The Gwinnett Asian American Student Association led thought-provoking panel discussions on the importance of fair learning environments, self-esteem, motivation, and social validation. Their leadership demonstrated that this movement is not only interracial but also intergeneration— where every voice, regardless of age or background, plays a vital role in shaping our collective future. Leading with compassion means listening, supporting, and empowering the next generation to rise with courage and conviction.

Yet, as we look around us, we must ask: Is our society safer and more inclusive than in 2021? Have we made enough progress in protecting our communities from hate, discrimination, and violence?

One thing is certain—we are stronger, more motivated, and more mobilized than ever before. The challenges we face today, from legislative rollbacks on civil rights to the persistent rise in anti-Asian sentiment, remind us that our work is far from over. But through compassion, we find resilience. Through solidarity, we find hope. And through action, we find justice.

Despite ongoing threats and challenges under the Trump administration, we refuse to be silenced. We will continue to speak out, stand up, and fight to protect our children, communities, and country. By leading with compassion, we ensure that no one is left behind and that justice is built on the foundation of care and understanding.

Thank you to everyone who continues to stand in solidarity with us. Together, we will keep pushing forward, demanding justice, and ensuring that tragedies like the Atlanta shootings never happen again.

In unity,

Michelle Kang