The Water Foundation issued the following statement today:

“We grieve for the eight people killed in North Georgia on Tuesday, their families, and their communities. Six of the people killed were women of Asian descent. We condemn the racist sexism and hate that targeted three Asian-owned businesses and the rising violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. White supremacy does not keep us safe, no matter the color of our skin, what we do for work, or where we live. From the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to insidious scapegoating of Asian communities by President Trump and other political leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic racism is embedded in our nation’s past and present.

“It is beyond time that our elected leaders stand with multiracial communities to address the root causes of violence, sexism, misogyny, and white supremacy. We stand in solidarity with the Asian community and join the growing calls nationwide to stop Asian hate, dismantle white supremacy, and build a just future where all can live in safety and dignity.

“We encourage others to join us in signing on to the collective statement organized by Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta and Georgia NAACP, and share resources put together by Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) to help the philanthropic field take action against the systemic racism that impacts Asian communities and all communities of color.”