Over 20 GA orgs representing different communities, issues, and racial justice movements have come together to call on GA leaders to take action to protect immigrant communities across our state and nationally. View our full press release at bit.ly/ga_against_ice
The kids went to bed hours ago, You didn't get to eat dinner with them Or ask about their day. That's what life is like here, Working, working, always working in this country. But it won't stop you from letting them know You love them. Tomorrow, they'll find handwritten notes Tucked inside their school books. She was here, she remembered me, they'll think. The other day, you bought two new pairs of sneakers. One for you, one for your daughter, who is all grown up. You had plans to take a walk together, To enjoy the spring weather on Easter weekend. Maybe you'd tell her about your Zumba class, Or play your favorite Justin Bieber songs during the walk. You won't get a chance to hear her say it, But your granddaughter will tell reporters later "She was like a rock for our family." "She would tell me, 'If you're happy, then I'm happy.'" In loving memory of Suncha Kim Written by Ruth Youn
Life isn't what you thought it would be. Moving from place to place, working so many different jobs, But in the end, you have your music, your cat and dog, your friends. And you have your boys, though they are men now. The older one served his country, he's newly retired. The younger one became a doctor, But "not a medicine doctor, a thinking doctor." This thinking doctor-son will say, "I miss the small things. I miss her needing me To change the light bulb, Update her computer, Go to the store to pick up cat litter, Or carry a 24-case of water." Your grandson will tell the world, "I love you forever and you didn't deserve this." In loving memory of Yong Ae Yue Written by Ruth Youn
Special thanks to local writer and educator, Ruth Youn, who wrote these commissioned poems to honor the victims' legacy and their loved ones.
You worked hard to make a living, Saw what needed to be done. And so you made The Decision To cross the ocean. Months later, you would hit "send" on WeChat, Sending American dollars. Your love crossing back over the ocean, Stretching to meet the needs of your Mother, brothers, sister, nephew, relatives, neighbors. Those American dollars every month, for years, Were a reminder, a response to your brother, Incredulous when you announced your plans. "You haven't graduated from primary school, he said. How can you go to the United States? In loving memory of Daoyou Feng Written by Ruth Youn
There's always more to the story More than can be told in a news article What you felt when you made The Decision To go to the United States. What it was like to try and try again, Worried, but hopeful. Unsure of the path, but never wavering from the goal. One foot in front of the other, you persisted. And one by one, you brought your five children here. In your last job, you cooked meals to nourish other women, Giving them the energy to put one foot in front of the other, To persist. If only you were given one more day. So that you could enjoy a trip to the salon And a restaurant-cooked meal with your husband. Plans that you made, because you believed in tomorrow. In loving memory of Soon Chung Park Written by Ruth Youn
March observes Women's History Month, and we acknowledge the sacrifices made by immigrant women. Immigrant women are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who dreamed and hoped for a better future. All women deserve to live out their lives fully, in safety and with dignity.
You see the present But want a different future. So you chase it, Working, working, working, For yourself, for your daughter, And for so many others, Travelers on the same journey. New clothes, plans, lists of the places you wanted to go You couldn't wait to retire. Later, they would say: "She was the sweetest person," "She was always thinking about her family," "She was my sanctuary." In loving memory of Xiaojie Tan Written by Ruth Youn
"Son, do you know I love you?" You began your career as a teacher, But the family business called. Then 1997 happened, followed by The IMF years. To make ends meet, You learned a new language Settled in a new country, Carved out a life for you and your boys. There's more to you than they can understand, Though they hoped you knew They love you, their umma, no matter what. One morning before work, you chopped onions, Measured white wine, soy sauce, and sugar, Pounded garlic cloves into a paste, Added sliced beef into the marinade, Poured it into a glass container, Snapped the lid shut, and smiled. Because even if you couldn't be with them that night, Your boys would eat well while you were gone. In loving memory of Hyun Jung Kim Grant Written by Ruth Youn
On this day four years ago, eight precious lives were senselessly cut short by a shooter at an Atlanta spa. Of those eight victims, six of them were Asian women. We remember the victims and hold their families' and friends' in our thoughts today.
WELCOME ASHNA KHANNA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ASIAN AMERICAN ADVOCACY FUND
ROOTED IN ADVOCACY & ORGANIZING A CAREER DEDICATED TO CIVIL RIGHTS & SYSTEMIC CHANGE COMMITTED TO BUILDING POWER IN GEORGIA Since joining AAAF as Deputy Director in 2023, Ashna has been a driving force behind our political strategy and programs, strengthening our impact across Georgia. A visionary leader and lifelong advocate for justice, she brings extensive experience in policy, grassroots organizing, and movement-building--fighting for voting rights, immigrant justice, racial equity, and economic opportunity for working-class communities. ASIAN AMERICAN ADVOCACY FUND
🌟 Welcoming Our New Executive Director! 🌟
The Asian American Advocacy Fund is proud to announce Ashna Khanna as our next Executive Director, starting March 2025.
🎉 Join us in celebrating Ashna and the future of AAAF!
📎 Learn more about Ashna and read our press release: bit.ly/aaafed2025
As an experienced, dedicated, and thoughtful leader, Erick Allen is the right choice to help shape a better Cobb! If you live in Cobb County Commissioner District 2, make sure you go out and vote ⎯ Early voting ends on March 8. 🗳️
For this particular first gathering of 2025, we will brainstorm ideas and opportunities for the upcoming Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May. Bring a friend, and let's build each other up! 🙌🏽
RSVP at artivism[at]asianamericanadvocacyfund.org [2/2]
If you're a local AAPI artist or art enthusiast seeking community, support, and resources, we invite you to join us fr our quarterly artist socials! 🎨 Over delicious bites, we aim to cultivate a sense of belonging for AAPI artists in Metro Atlanta during these socials [1/2]
Remember to make your voice heard in the Cobb County Special Primary Election Runoff, early voting is from March 3-7! Every vote counts, and your participation shapes our community's future. Don't forget to get out and vote! 🗳️
Wishing peace, love, and blessings to those observing this Ramadan. Let's spread kindness and support for one another 🌙✨
🏠 The Time to Act is NOW! Rent is too high, and wages are too low. Demand change by emailing your legislators to support SB 106 + HB 299 to lift Georgia's rent control ban.
Take action: bit.ly/supportrentcontrolga.
Let's talk Housing Justice! 🏠
Join us for an important conversation on the future of housing in Metro Atlanta. We’ll dive into key issues like gentrification, the fight for rent control, and how we can push for meaningful change in the 2025 legislative session. 🗣️
RSVP at bit.ly/aaafrentcontrolcc
Now more than ever, we need to push for rent control to protect renters from displacement and ensure affordable housing for all! Stay informed by following @asianaaf.org and visiting housingjusticeleague.org [2/2]
Rent control is crucial in the fight for affordable housing; our communities must stand together for our homes and our futures so that everyone in GA can thrive. 🏠✨ [1/2]
To immigrants with love, you are vital threads in our communities: you are seen, you are valued, and you belong. We stand with/ you + will continue to fight alongside you.
Poem by Mila Konomos (https://linktree.com/theempresshan
As we reflect on love and community, we honor the experiences of our immigrant families- stories filled with resilience, sacrifice, rich traditions, and unyielding aspirations.
We come from unique histories yet shared struggles + that's what unites us--our experiences. Our shared fight for freedom, justice + equality transcends boundaries. When we support each other, we can create a future where freedom, dignity + equality are a reality for all.✊❤️
Poem by kacidiane.com
Thank you to all who came out to make Asian American Advocacy Day a success! Your dedication and passion are driving real change for our communities. Together, we stand stronger, louder, and united in our fight for equality and justice. ✊🏽 ❤️
#AAAD2025
#AsianAAAF
@aaaj-atlanta.bsky.social
On behalf of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta and the Asian American Advocacy Fund, thank you to everyone who joined us last week for 2025 Asian American Advocacy Day! Here's a brief photo recap of the day! To see all the photos, please visit: bit.ly/aaad25photos.
🗳️: Residents of Cobb County Commission Districts 2 or 4, polls for the Special Primary Election are open until 7 PM. Make your voice heard!
And remember that you'll need to vote at your assigned precinct. To locate your voting precinct, visit mvp.sos.ga.gov
Cobb County residents, make your voice heard tomorrow - Get out and vote! 🗳️ Every vote matters, so make sure you're part of the change. For more Special Election info, visit https://buff.ly/4gA9Frr
Call all Atlanta-area Artists! 🎨 We're answering your FAQs with an Artist-in-Residence (AIR) info session on Mon., Feb. 10 at 6pm. Don't delay - the deadline for applications to be the AIR is Thu., Feb. 13! 💫
To join the Info Session: buff.ly/414kgGl
To apply for AIR: buff.ly/3WQQmmE
TOMORROW is the day! 🚨 Join us at the Loudermilk Conference Center for our annual Asian American Advocacy Day as we unite community members, advocates + policymakers to push for the change we deserve. Here are a few things to know so you're prepared for the day. We can't wait to see y'all tomorrow!
Early voting has officially begun for the Special Primary Election in Cobb County for BOC Districts 2 and 4. 🗳️ Make your voice heard and vote early! Head to your local polling place and cast your ballot today.
Happy Black History Month, where we stand together to honor the achievements + resilience of Black communities. We recognize that our histories are linked and commit to amplifying voices of justice, equity, + empowerment for all. Let's continue building a future where everyone's history is uplifted.
📢 Today (Feb. 1) is the first day of Advance Voting in the Cobb County Special Primary Election! For information on polling locations and precinct hours, visit https://buff.ly/2HelTvd
✅ Expand access to affordable housing
✅ Improve county transit and mobility options
✅ Develop a worker-friendly economy
✅ Adopt environmental protection policies
If you live in Cobb County BOC District 2, be sure to vote by Feb. 11! For more information, visit https://buff.ly/4jCQhg5
Erick Allen is the son of a pastor and a teacher and is a lifelong volunteer.
The More You Know, the More You're Gonna Want to Vote for Erick Allen for Cobb County Commissioner! Expanding on these 5 fun facts we mentioned, Allen wants to:
The deadline to apply is Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. To learn more and to apply, visit: bit.ly/AAAFAIR2025
Calling all Atlanta-based artists! ✨
We're accepting applications for our 2025 Artist-in-Residence program! 🎉 We're seeking a dynamic artist to create works that uplift how our communities are impacted by issues such as economic and housing justice, health care, immigrant rights, and more.
