City leaders come together to mark United Against Hate Week

By Rachel Vincent, senior director of strategic communications and marketing

When it comes to combating hate, leadership matters. That was the message delivered by over 70 city officials who came together earlier this week in a Cal Cities roundtable on United Against Hate Week.

"Your voices as city leaders and your messaging to communities really makes a difference," said Justin Lock, the executive director of Not in My Town, a California-based nonprofit that uses documentary film, new media, and organizing to stop hate and build safe, inclusive communities.

More than 200 communities in California this year are participating in United Against Hate Week, which runs Oct. 19-25.

During the roundtable, co-led by Emeryville City Manager LaTanya Bellow and Temecula City Clerk Randi Johl, city leaders shared the events and actions they are taking to mark the week. They also discussed ways they could create greater empathy for groups commonly impacted by hate crimes and build more inclusive communities all year long.

Hate crimes in California have risen by more than 50% since 2020.

But while the city leaders who participated in the roundtable are concerned by the uptick in hate crimes, they are also encouraged by the collaboration of city governments, community organizations, faith-based groups, and others to foster greater respect for diversity in California cities.

Oakland launched the week by unveiling "Together We Rise," a mural in the city's Chinatown. Pasadena designated October as Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Redwood City offered five events and a reading list. The South Bay Coalition - El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach - is organizing a food drive and Interfaith Unity Walk. Santa Cruz is holding an event at the Santa Cruz Public Library, The Human Library: Unjudge Someone. San Diego created a video for social media with city officials voicing their support for the campaign. Alameda is hosting a film screening and discussion at city hall.

Cities can participate in United Against Hate in other ways, including:

• Passing a resolution.
• Sharing stories of community resilience through social media.
• Highlighting local initiatives or partnerships during the week of action.

The United Against Hate coalition began in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2017 but has since spread to every corner of California and throughout the country.