ICYMI: White House Officials and Lawmakers Attend 2023 AAPI Against Gun Violence Convening in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON — Last week, the AAPI Against Gun Violence Coalition hosted its 2nd annual AAPI Against Gun Violence Conference with AAPI Victory Alliance, Newtown Action Alliance, MomsRising, Chinese for Affirmative Action, and Hope and Heal Fund in Washington D.C.
Lawmakers, officials, and advocates from across Asian American communities were in attendance to listen to gun violence survivors’ stories, celebrate important milestones in the gun safety movement and build more robust engagement in the collective fight to end the gun violence crisis in the United States.
Watch highlights HERE
Key Takeaways from the Convening:
AAPIs are more likely to say the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was the most important accomplishment by the President than any other group.
Asian American gun ownership rose by 43% in 2020 with the NRA and the gun industry exploiting our community's fears of anti-Asian hate crimes and prioritizing profits over people.
California’s SB2 is helping reduce gun violence by increasing the minimum age to buy a firearm and advancing stronger training requirements. Similar legislation must be introduced and passed swiftly in all states.
White House Assistant to the President and Staff Secretary Stefani Feldman:
“You all continue to do the hard work transcending tragedy and hate and serving as a beacon of hope and courage in the face of adversity. The president and the entire administration stand firmly with you in saying ‘Enough is enough.’”
Monterey Park City Councilmember Henry Lo:
“The [Monterey Park] gunman purchased his firearm decades before that particular weapon was banned in California. That speaks to the larger issue of how easy it is to get a firearm, and even now California has over 127 common-sense gun measures. That’s nothing to stop someone from going to a neighboring state and bringing that horror back. At the local level, we are looking at examples where we as a municipal government can do something about it… and also supporting state and federal initiatives.”
Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA):
“Countering gun violence and anti-AAPI sentiments are challenges that will call for people from all across this nation to stand up, to rise up and to act. As Americans, we have an obligation to shoulder the collective burden of this fight and this work to ensure that all communities have an opportunity to live free from senseless, unnecessary gun violence and from the forms of hate that only encourage it…
As we honor the memories of those that have fallen, and the sacrifices of our survivors, we must remember that their collective stories must not be allowed to fail. They must tell their stories again, and again and again. This is part of the movement. This is what incites people—and my colleagues here in Washington—to act. We must be willing to keep their stories alive.”
AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore:
“Following the successful conclusion of our recent conference, we are proud to announce that our AAPI coalition has significantly expanded. The gathering underlined a key realization: we are united, not solitary, in our tireless efforts to combat the alarming issue of gun violence.
The collective strength we have discovered within this extended coalition family provides hope and confidence that we will ultimately prevail. We look forward to a future where our actions today result in a safer America. We envision an era defined by secure schools, peaceful communities, and safe neighborhoods — a brighter tomorrow forged by our efforts, unity, and determination.”
For those unable to attend our D.C. convening, we are planning a virtual event for July to continue our conversation about addressing gun violence in America—details to follow. Please reach out to Erika Gulija at erika@firesidecampaigns.com if you have questions or are interested in attending.
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