Susana Yi honored for activism and community healing in Visitation Valley

In a heartfelt tribute during the San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting, community leader Susana Yi was honored for her transformative work in promoting racial unity and healing in Visitation Valley. This recognition coincided with the month-long celebration of International Women's Day, highlighting Yi's dedication to creating safe spaces for dialogue and support following a tragic incident involving her grandmother, Yik Oi Wong, who was a victim of crime earlier this year.

Yi, a bilingual yoga teacher and activist, has been instrumental in fostering community resilience and addressing public safety through transformative justice initiatives. Her approach emphasizes healing from trauma, particularly within underserved populations, including at-risk and immigrant communities. By teaching yoga with a focus on access and trauma, Yi aims to empower individuals to connect with themselves and each other, believing that collective healing can lead to broader community transformation.

During her acceptance speech, Yi expressed gratitude to the Board of Supervisors and community leaders for their support, dedicating the recognition to her grandmother and family. She emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of trauma and the need for creative healing spaces where individuals can feel safe and express themselves freely. Yi's message resonated with the audience, as she called for a collective effort to transform pain into a source of strength and justice.

The meeting underscored the significance of community engagement in addressing public safety concerns, with Yi's work serving as a model for how personal experiences can inspire broader social change. As San Francisco continues to navigate challenges related to safety and community well-being, Yi's vision for healing and unity offers a hopeful path forward for the Southeast corner of the city.