Remembering Atlanta and the 8 people killed 4 years later

By Kimberly Szeto

The Details:

Under the theme Leading with Compassion, San Francisco’s Asian American community gathered at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown Sunday to honor the victims of the 2021 Atlanta Spa Shootings. Organized by the Asian Justice Movement (AJM) and coalition partners (The Asian American Foundation, Georgia AAPI Hub, APAs vs HATE, Asian Leaders Alliance, Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Coalition), the event was both a remembrance on the fourth anniversary of the shooting and a call to action against ongoing anti-Asian violence. 

In addition to San Francisco, remembrance events took place across the country, reaffirming a collective commitment to honoring the victims and ending the hate. Atlanta, where the tragedy occurred, hosted a press conference and town hall discussions, providing a platform for survivors, activists, and policymakers to reflect on the past four years. In Los Angeles, community members gathered for a commemoration and policy-focused town hall, featuring a keynote address from Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblyman Fong, and many more notable leaders. These nationwide events underscored the resilience of Asian American communities and the ongoing efforts to fight for justice and safety.

A Day of Remembrance and Mobilization

The commemoration day included a private roundtable where grassroots community leaders discussed ways to sustain advocacy efforts beyond anniversaries, followed by a public event at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown. Organizers emphasized that while media attention on anti-Asian violence has waned, the fight for justice and safety must continue.

“The fourth anniversary of the Atlanta Spa Shootings is not just a moment of reflection,” said Charles Jung, an AJM organizer. “We are mobilizing, training, and educating ourselves and our community organizers to stand up to the rising hate against our immigrant community members. Our commemoration events are designed to foster healing, build solidarity, and drive meaningful change.”

Honoring the Victims, Strengthening the Community

On March 16, 2021, a gunman targeted three Asian-owned spas in Atlanta, killing eight people, six of whom were Asian women. The attack exposed the intersection of racism, misogyny, and xenophobia that Asian American communities continue to face.

For Brian Pang, an organizer with AJM, this commemoration was deeply personal. “This incident was a watershed moment for our communities. The police chief’s initial statement—that the shooter was ‘having a bad day’—was a glaring example of systemic marginalization and the dehumanization of Asian women.”

Pang added that AJM remains committed to sustaining the momentum sparked in 2021. “We’ve seen waning interest in the media toward anti-Asian hate, but it’s still very prevalent. We at AJM continue to rally our organizations and leaders to ensure that the community sees that we are here fighting for their rights, for justice, to inspire people, and to activate hope and action.”

A Call for Continued Action

The movement in San Francisco is focused on practical steps for sustaining advocacy, exploring strategies for community protection, policy changes, and resource allocation to combat anti-Asian violence.

San Francisco District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter, whose district includes Chinatown, acknowledged the impact of the Atlanta shootings. “The commemoration provided a space for grieving and reflection four years after the horrific attack. It also allowed us to reflect on all that was ignited that day: a united response of standing up against Asian hate. I’ve seen new leaders step forward, creating spaces for healing and holding elected officials accountable. The fight continues.”

Local business owners also shared their experiences navigating safety concerns in the wake of increased anti-Asian violence. Anita Chan, owner of Anita B Spa, expressed her views about the ongoing challenges faced by Asian American business owners. “Since 2021, we’ve had to keep our front door locked for safety, but that raised concerns over compliance with fire regulations. Thanks to conversations facilitated by organizations like ASIAN, Inc., we’ve found ways to balance security and operational needs. These dialogues are critical.”

Chan also encouraged young Asian American entrepreneurs to seek out community support. “Starting a business can feel isolating, but finding a supportive network makes all the difference. Engage with local business organizations and make your voice heard.”

Looking Ahead

AJM organizers called on the public to continue supporting Asian American advocacy, even beyond high-profile anniversaries. Those unable to attend the commemoration can watch recorded discussions on asianjusticemovement.org and sign up to volunteer.

“Historically, we streamed each city’s commemoration events live. This year, we’ll post the videos on delay so they remain available year-round,” said Pang. “Please watch and share the recordings, and continue to educate others about the importance of telling our stories and combating anti-Asian hate.”

With San Francisco’s commemoration serving as a reminder of both loss and resilience, the community remains steadfast in its fight for justice. As Jung emphasized, “Our community is much stronger when we stand together and support each other. Even if we have differences in ideology or priorities, unity is key. Whatever challenges come this year, we must stand together.”

(Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Coalition. We regret the error.)