Inland Valley News and Urban Excellence, collaborators on the Stop the Hate program funded in part by the California State Library, recently presented Leadership Development in Interethnic Relations (LDIR)—a full-day interactive workshop designed to equip participants with strategies for navigating community interethnic relations and building resiliency as advocates against hate crimes and hate speech. This impactful event brought together community members, students, and leaders to engage in essential conversations and exercises around fostering unity and supporting those affected by hate.
The workshop provided participants with valuable tools for effective advocacy and empowered them to serve as active supporters of interethnic harmony within their communities. Throughout the day, attendees took part in hands-on sessions, discussions, and role-playing exercises, all aimed at enhancing their abilities to build bridges and 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 emotionally potent narratives shed light on the pain inflicted by hate and the challenges in 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 to not only educate but also to empower our participants to stand against hate and work towards rebuilding trust in our communities.”
The 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. As collaborators on the Stop the Hate initiative, Inland Valley News and Urban Excellence are dedicated to promoting unity and equity through impactful programs funded in part by the California State Library.
About Inland Valley News and Urban Excellence
Inland Valley News and Urban Excellence are committed to creating positive social impact by promoting unity and equity in diverse communities. Through initiatives like Stop the Hate and programs such as Leadership Development in Interethnic Relations, they provide valuable resources, education, and support to individuals and groups working to combat hate and build resilient, inclusive communities.
