Today, March 26 is what is known as a National Day of Action and Healing to #StopAsianHate. This comes in response to the mass shootings that occurred in Atlanta last week as well as continuous violence against the Asian American community.

On a local level, members of the Virginia General Assembly held a virtual press conference to announce the development of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus (VAAPIC). Among those in attendance were Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Speaker of the House and Delegate Kathy KL Tran (HD42, Fairfax).

According to the Associated Press, the Virginia House Democrats said in a statement that all members of the Legislature will be “invited to join as allies.”

“As the oldest elected body in the United States, the Virginia General Assembly has the unique opportunity to promote inclusion, and serve as an example for leaders across the nation and the world.” said Sen. Ghazala Hashmi of Chesterfield.

The Democrat added that the caucus “is now more necessary than ever to make sure every Virginian not only feels safe but also can be a stakeholder in the decisions we make in Richmond.”