A Call to Action Against Hate Crimes

Crafting the full policy agenda in advance of the legislative session addressing hate crimes is underway – I see this Civil Rights Task Force and the Hate Crimes Call to Action as part of shaping that agenda and also pursuing programming in our community to stop hate crimes. It remains important to act right here in Brooklyn – we must speak out against hate crimes, rally in support of those who have been targeted, and uphold the values that New Yorkers have cherished for generations. Thanks to all the colleagues and community partners who contributed to our first Civil and Human Rights Speak Out in November. This Hate Crime Call to Action builds upon that groundwork and helps us mobilize against the serious challenge to our communities hate crimes present.

Thanks to everyone who was able to join us. Special thanks to all the panelists, Kirsten Foy of the National Action Network and the evening's moderator, Rachelle Dickerson, Director of External Relations at the NYS Office of New Americans, Hamilton F. Lee of the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Charles Senat from the NYPD Hate Crimes Unit, Diane Lucas, Assistant AG – Civil Rights Bureau, NYS Office of the Attorney General, Etzion Neuer, Director, Community Service & Policy, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Eric Post, Assistant Director, American Jewish Committee (AJC), Hallam Tuck from the NY Immigration Coalition, Jenny Debower, Director of Programs, Center for Anti-violence (CAE), and our host Maria Bartollillo, Director of St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf.