AAPI communities in Paulding and Cobb Counties, in particular, AAPI moms and their children, lack safe spaces for connection to their roots and inclusion.

Although AAPI communities often feel invisible, they are one of the fastest-growing demographics in Georgia. Research from Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Atlanta confirms that Georgia’s AAPI electorate is an increasingly powerful civic force, capable of shaping outcomes at the city, county, state, and congressional levels. Despite this growth, many still continue to feel isolation and limited opportunities for community connection and representation, especially AAPI women, femme, and gender non-conforming folks. 

According to demographic data from Cubit Planning, Paulding County experienced rapid population growth of 11.8% between April 2020 and July 2024. Approximately 1.47% of the population identifies as Asian. While this percentage seems small at first glance, it represents roughly 2,600 people who may also be navigating feelings of invisibility and isolation: about 1,300 of whom would be Asian women and gender non-conforming folks potentially searching for community and belonging. In the neighboring Cobb County, data from Niche estimates that more than 50,000 Asian residents live in the county, demonstrating both the presence and the potential for stronger AAPI community organizing across the region.

Another organization serving greater Atlanta areas such as Asian American Voices for Education (AAVEd) works to uplift Asian American voices and transform Georgia schools by honoring the stories of all communities. What they’ve found through research is that Cobb County has a strong Anti-DEI and Anti-Critical Race and Ethnic Studies atmosphere. One widely known example is the case of Katie Rinderle, a former fifth-grade teacher in Cobb County School District who was fired after reading the children’s book “My Shadow is Purple,” a story centering gender identity, to her class of students with special needs ages 10 to 11 years old. Parents had argued to the school board that the book introduced “divisive” themes and violated their religious beliefs. The resulting backlash led to Teacher Katie losing her position, a decision that was later upheld by the State of Georgia.