Inland Valley News and Urban Excellence, collaborators on the Stop the Hate program funded in part by the California State Library, recently hosted a second Leadership Development in Interethnic Relations (LDIR) workshop—a full-day interactive event designed to equip participants with strategies for navigating interethnic relations and building resilience as advocates against hate crimes and hate speech. This highly impactful workshop brought together community members, students, and leaders for essential conversations and exercises around unity, support for those affected by hate, and fostering an understanding of hate incidents and hate crimes as defined by the California Department of Civil Rights and “CA vs Hate.” Participants were also provided with channels for reporting incidents and resources for community support.
This session included students nominated by attendees from the first workshop, reflecting the enthusiasm and value participants found in the initial experience.
The day-long event provided participants with valuable advocacy tools and empowered them to serve as active supporters of interethnic harmony within their communities. Through hands-on sessions, discussions, and role-playing exercises, attendees enhanced their skills in bridge-building and learned to stand resilient in the face of adversity.
A particularly moving part of the workshop was the open sharing of personal stories by students, who courageously recounted their experiences with hate crimes. These heartfelt narratives highlighted the pain inflicted by hate and the challenges of moving forward. Through these stories, participants were reminded of the strength that comes from shared vulnerability and the power of forgiveness in restoring trust and building resilient communities.
“This workshop created a space where individuals could share and heal, fostering understanding and connection across diverse backgrounds,” said Kim Anthony, Project Manager at Inland Valley News. “Our goal was not only to educate but also to empower our participants to stand against hate and work towards rebuilding trust in our communities.”
The second LDIR workshop concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among attendees, who left equipped with practical skills for advocating against hate and creating inclusive spaces within their neighborhoods. Inland Valley News and Urban Excellence, as partners in the Stop the Hate initiative, remain dedicated to promoting unity and equity through impactful programs funded in part by the California State Library.
