Our country finds strength in diversity and unity — and every person deserves to live in a community that feels safe, welcoming, and inclusive.
Yet, over the past several years, as wide-ranging threats to our democracy escalated — from attempts to deny the freedom to vote to a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol — we also saw an increase in hate crimes. That is not a coincidence. As some people in power try to undermine democracy, they are also spreading bigotry and sowing division. 2020 had the highest number of reported hate crimes since 2001.
This must end.
To fight this devastating trend and live up to our nation’s highest ideals, each of us must pledge to do what people across the country have done for generations: center compassion, acceptance, and understanding. We must center humanity over hate.
Below are ways you can get involved to build community, learn more about the crisis, and push for real change.
- Participate in the Humanity Over Hate Forum on May 19, 2022
Join the Humanity Over Hate Forum on Thursday, May 19, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. ET and hear from survivors of hate and policy advocates on the impact of hate crimes, policy recommendations, and action we can take to build community.
- Attend a training to address anti-Asian/American harassment
Protect your neighbors by learning ways to intervene effectively as a bystander without compromising safety. Since April 2020, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC has partnered with Right To Be (formerly Hollaback!) for a virtual workshop on bystander intervention.
- Partner against hate in your local community
For those new to grassroots work, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Partnering Against Hate, a project of Interfaith Alliance, is designed to help guide individuals and groups who want to do more to make their communities safer and more inclusive.