Statement of Executive Director Leng Leng Chancey
ATLANTA — In the wake of last night’s shootings in Atlanta, which targeted Asian women, Leng Leng Chancey, the executive director of 9to5, National Association of Working Women, issued the following statement:
“Our hearts go out to those who were injured and the families and friends of the people killed in last night’s attack on Atlanta-area businesses. These violent attacks on the AAPI community are nothing new. Most of the victims reportedly are Asian women. With a longstanding 9to5 chapter in Atlanta, as a resident of Atlanta, and an Asian American woman, this attack hits too close to home.
“America must rise against the wave of anti-Asian hate crimes spreading from coast-to-coast. After four years of Trump’s vitriolic hate speech targeting immigrants and his false narrative blaming Asians for the pandemic, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people are not safe anywhere. AAPI women are especially vulnerable as we bear the burden of the triple oppression of racism, xenophobia and sexism. These women were especially vulnerable as low-wage workers, already risking their health to work during the pandemic.
“We demand immediate action to stop the racist attacks on AAPI communities. We must confront white supremacy head on and dismantle the structural oppression that threatens our very lives. 9to5 stands in solidarity with all Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities. Now is the time for BIPOC communities to fight back. Together we rise to stand against white supremacy and to call on public officials and elected leaders to provide the services and support AAPI communities need.”
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9to5, National Association of Working Women is a national organization on the frontlines working for economic security for all women — particularly women of color. The organization has a national network of advocates and offices in Colorado, Georgia and Wisconsin.
