How to play your part during United Against Hate Week Sept. 21-27
September 5, 2024 2:30 PM
by Delana Gbenekama
Sept. 21-27 is United Against Hate Week, an annual reminder that we all share the responsibility of standing against the hate and bias that threaten the wellbeing and safety of our community. Sadly, reported hate crimes against the LGBTQ+, Jewish, and Muslim communities increased from 2022 to 2023, according to the 2023 Hate Crime in California Report. This is a stark reminder that we still have a long way to go in weeding out the root causes of hate through education and advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion work.
United Against Hate Week is usually observed in November, but this year it was moved to September with the added goal of curbing the hate that rears its ugly head during the election season. The Santa Monica City Council will issue a proclamation during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in support of United Against Hate Week and Los Angeles County’s LA vs Hate campaign. You can watch the meeting online or join us in person at the council chamber at 1685 Main St., second floor. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m., and the proclamation will be read toward the beginning of the meeting.
The City of Santa Monica encourages you and everyone you know to register for any of the free virtual trainings offered by Right to Be, an organization that teaches people simple and safe tactics that empower them to stop harassment in public spaces. The city has partnered with Right to Be in the past to provide bystander intervention training to the community.
Visit righttobe.org/upcoming-free-trainings to view and register for the trainings while slots are still available. Notable trainings this month include “Stand up Against Street Harassment” on Sept. 16 and “Bystander Intervention to Stop Voter Harassment at the Polls” on Sept. 18. The organization is also offering several trainings on how to stop Anti-Asian/American harassment on Sept. 11, 12, 18 and 26.
Learn more about United Against Hate Week and LA vs Hate.
Authored By
Delana Gbenekama
Equity and Communications Program Manager