American University affinity groups held a vigil on Feb. 1 to recognize those who died in the shootings at Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, California. The attendees gathered at AU’s Woods-Brown Amphitheater and lit candles as the event organizers read the names of the victims. 

Three of the organizers, Maddy Park, Vera Tsang and Divya Chhotani, spoke about their experiences as people of color and listed their frustrations over the lack of acknowledgment of their difficulties.

“I didn’t really have time to process it. We haven’t really been given the space or the acknowledgment to think about it either,” said Tsang, deputy of outreach and advocacy for the Korean Student Association.

Several audience members voiced their support for the Asian community and criticized the university’s lack of validation.

“I’m incredibly dejected and equally unsurprised at the silence of the institution,” said Kelly Ma, vice president of the Asian American Student Union. “I hope that we can raise our voices in unity to protect our community.”

Despite their disappointment over the community’s reaction, the organizers said they agreed that the vigil was successful in supporting those hurting from the recent events.

“I feel satisfied with how it went. It was really important to us to help create a space for people to come and gather and heal and process together,” said Park, KSA advocacy and outreach coordinator.