Candlelight Vigil Honoring UNC’s Dr. Zijie Yan

Dr. Zijie Yan's Candlelight Vigil

8/30/2023

In memory of Dr. Zijie Yan, an associate professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, my office, alongside the NC Asian Americans Together (NCAAT) and the Chinese American Friendship Association of North Carolina (CAFA-NC), organized a candlelight vigil. We intended this vigil as an opportunity to collectively remember and honor the life of Dr. Yan, tragically cut short by an act of senseless gun violence.

I extend my gratitude to all the participants, including local officials, and the North Carolina and UNC community, for their unwavering support and for joining us in paying respects. This vigil provided a meaningful chance for everyone to come together and pay tribute to Dr. Yan’s influence.

I am also thankful for the moving stories that were shared about his life. These narratives serve as reminders of his positive impact and it is my sincere hope that Dr. Yan’s legacy will continue to resonate within our community, becoming a source of inspiration and strength that lives on.

I want to express my sincere gratitude for the following officials who attended the event and for honoring Dr. Yan’s great life.

  • Congressman Wiley Nickel
  • Attorney General Josh Stein
  • Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
  • Senator Jay Chaudhuri
  • Minority Leader Robert Reives
  • Representative Julie von Haefen
  • Representative Allen Buansi
  • Representative Maria Cervania
  • Representative Tim Longest
  • Commissioner Cheryl Stallings
  • Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley
  • Morrisvile Town Councillor Steve Rao
  • Cary Town Councillor Lori Bush
  • Cary Town Councillor Carissa Kohn-Johnson
  • Cary Town Councillor Ryan Eades
  • Apex Town Councillor Arno Zegerman
news report
Congressman Wiley Nickel
Congressman Wiley Nickel
Attorney General Josh Stein
Attorney General Josh Stein
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
Minority Leader Robert Reives
Minority Leader Robert Reives
Representative Maria Cervania
Representative Maria Cervania
news report
Congressman Wiley Nickel
Attorney General Josh Stein
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall
Minority Leader Robert Reives
Representative Maria Cervania