Inside Actor Sandra Oh's Activism

This article contains mentions of a hate crime.

Actor Sandra Oh is speaking out against Asian hate following the Atlanta, Ga., spa shootings on March 16, 2021, leaving eight dead. "Six of the eight victims were of Asian descent, and all but one were women," The New York Times reported about the crimes, which many believe were racially-charged.

"I am proud to be Asian," the Grey's Anatomy alum said at a Stop Asian Hate protest in Oakland, Pa., on March 20, 2021, per CBS Pittsburg. "For many of us in our community, this is the first time we are even able to voice our fear and our anger, and I really am so grateful to everyone willing to listen." She continued to give a passionate speech, acknowledging the harassment and hate crimes many Asian Americans have faced amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "One thing that I know is that many in our community are very scared, and I understand that," she said. "And one way to go through our fear is to reach out to our community," she added, asking, "If you see something, will you help me?"

Keep scrolling for more details about Oh's efforts to help Asian Americans like herself.

Amid the uptick in Asian hate crimes, a nearly 150 percent increase from 2019 to 2020 to be exact, Sandra Oh reminded the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to ask for assistance when in need. "We must understand, as Asian-Americans, we just need to reach out our hand to our sisters and brothers and say, 'Help me and I'm here,'" the actor said at a Stop Asian Hate rally, per CBS Pittsburg.

Oh, whose parents emigrated from South Korea to Canada where she was born, per BBC News, thanked the crowd for gathering for the "opportunity to stand together and feel each other," in a way many Asian Americans have yet to experience. Aside from her moving speech, this isn't the first time Oh has spoken out about the increased racism against the Asian community. Shortly after the horrific shooting targeting Asian spa workers, the actress took to social media to issue a statement.

"I send loving kindness and support to the families of the eight souls murdered in Georgia on March 16th. And to all victims of racist violence," she wrote on Instagram. "I am devasted and profoundly angry. I know many of you are scared but let us not be afraid."

If you or a loved one has experienced a hate crime, contact the VictimConnect Hotline by phone at 1-855-4-VICTIM or by chat for more information or assistance in locating services to help. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.