BATS Improv Statement on the Murder of Asian American Women and Others in Georgia

BATS Improv stands with our company members, coaches, students, board members, colleagues, friends and community members in the Asian American community, particularly women, who are facing escalating hate crimes, xenophobia, and violence enabled by white supremacy and scapegoating across the nation. 

We express our condolences to the families of the eight people confirmed to have lost their lives and others who have been affected by the senseless acts of violence in Atlanta—Soon Chung Park, 74; Hyun Jung Grant, 51; Suncha Kim, 69; Yong Ae Yue, 63; Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33; Xiaojie Tan, 49; Daoyou Feng, 44; and Paul Andre Michels, 54, who lost their lives, and Elcias R Hernandez-Ortiz, 30, who was injured.

As an organization committed to becoming anti-racist we condemn the ignorance, hate, and violence that has led to a significant increase in hate crimes perpetrated against Asian American communities during the coronavirus pandemic. We are sad, outraged and concerned about the continued and escalating targeting of Asian people, particularly women. 

We affirm the vital and significant contributions of Asian Americans to our classrooms and our stage. Our work and our community is enriched by your presence. 

During this time of continued targeting and dehumanization of communities of color, we  continue to educate ourselves on the history of white supremacy and systemic oppression which has deep roots in all aspects of our society, including theater and the arts. We dedicate ourselves to supporting improvisers of color at all stages of their artistic journey, to enjoy full and safe artistic expression, teaching, learning and leadership opportunities at BATS Improv. 

Over the past year we have made concerted efforts to learn about how we have committed harm and perpetuated white supremacy within our organization. Though we are still at a relatively early stage in our journey, we are taking important foundational steps to educate ourselves and to dismantle and change systems to advance equity for Asian American, Black, Indigenous, other People of Color, LGBTQ+, disabled and other historically oppressed peoples to remove systemic barriers to access and to cease to tolerate discrimination, opppression and prejudice. 

One thing we can do is educate ourselves about the issues and support those advocating on behalf of Asian American communities in Georgia, our region, and beyond.

National and Regional Resources:

• National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum 
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice
• Stop AAPI Hate   - National Report https://stopaapihate.org/
• Anti-Asian Violence Resources
• APANO

Georgia Resources:

• Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta
• Asian American Advocacy Fund
• 9to5 Georgia
• National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum – Atlanta

Bay Area Resources 

• Compassion In Oakland 
• San Francisco : Mayor London Breed Announces New Efforts to Protect Public Safety and Combat Anti-Asian Violence in San Francisco

Including details:

- of the Street Violence Intervention Program in partnership with API non-profits

- Community Safety Team Program 

- Senior Escort Program - Seniors interested in this program should call the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) Resource Hub at (415) 355-6700.