Ways Communities Can Help Address Racial Trauma and Hate Crimes

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Empathy, compassion, and inclusion are hallmarks of our Know the Signs programs and drive our commitment to speak up against hate and injustice. We believe everyone has the right to be safe wherever they are: at school, at home, and in their communities. 

Rising Hate Crimes and Violence

The recent rise in racially motivated violence and hate crimes are horrifying. Expressions of hate and bigotry terrorize communities of color and cause collective trauma and reinforce systems of oppression. This has long been the reality for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals in the United States.

The recent uptick in this violence demands action from us all. According to the FBI, our nation has seen more hate crimes in recent years than we have in a decade. In fact, a tragic new record was set with 51 bias-motivated killings in 2019. Further, perpetrators committed thousands of acts of hate-related assault and vandalism. Learn the warning signs of violence.  

You can take action and spread awareness in your community to reverse this deadly trend. Denounce this epidemic of discrimination and violence, and take meaningful steps to prevent further violence. Together, we can fight fear and hatred with our commitment to look out for one another and speak up to get help when we see potential violence and injustice in any form. Just like we teach our children to do.

Here are some ways you can fight hate.   

Educate Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Learn about the issues and get resources for yourself, your family, and friends about the issues of racial inequality, intolerance, and bias. You can start with these:

Support Organizations Working Against Hate, Racism, and Brutality

Seek out and support organizations whose primary mission is to end systematic injustice, police violence, and racial inequities. These include:

Vote and Voice Your Values

Systemic change can only happen when we, as voters, elect representatives who will translate our demands for justice into laws and practices. And when we collectively use our voice to prevent hate crimes in our communities. It also means making sure every eligible voter has the ability and access to cast their vote. Learn how to get started:

Spread the Word

While solving systemic injustice and dismantling hate is difficult, it is not impossible. Please take a moment to share these resources with your social networks and join us in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The only way we can get there is by working together. Contact us with suggestions for other groups and resources to add.