Unity Voices: Bridging Divides, Breaking Barriers Against Hate and Prejudice
In a time marked by an urgent call to combat hate and prejudice, the collaborative efforts between ethnic media outlets (EMO) and community-based organization (CBO) grantees have taken center stage. This collective initiative is integral to the second-round funding priorities set by the State Library (SL) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) from 2023 to 2024. Recognizing the potency of unity, ethnic media, the right hand, is intertwining with community-based organizations, the left hand, to collectively address these pervasive challenges.
The Immigrant Magazine, one of the media grantees, played a crucial role in uncovering insights into the most pressing issues faced by ethnic and immigrant communities, shedding light on obstacles to hate crime reporting. From language barriers to isolation, legal status, race, sexuality, religion, culture, distrust of law enforcement, fear of retaliation, immigration consequences, confusion, and awareness gaps – the challenges were diverse and complex.
To materialize this vision, a momentous event unfolded in partnership with CBO regional lead Catalyst. A roundtable discussion brought together CBO grantees from the San Diego and Imperial Valley area and ethnic media representing Native American, Latino, Black, Asian and Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern communities in Southern California.
Hosted over lunch, this gathering offered more than just shared meals; it served as a platform to break barriers. The objective was crystal clear – foster connections, enable mutual understanding, and identify collaboration opportunities that could amplify the collective impact in the Stop the Hate campaign.
Drawing inspiration from successful events in the LA and SF Bay Area, participants found the experience not only invaluable and informative but also a catalyst for on-the-ground collaboration. The success was evident not just in productive discussions but also in the solidarity forged among diverse ethnic media and community-based organizations.
At the heart of the event was a poignant exchange of perspectives on the most pressing issues facing communities in the face of hate and prejudice. Members openly discussed challenges, exchanged ideas, and laid the foundation for collaborative action.
The event reached its pinnacle with a powerful message from Ethnic Media Services Executive Director, Sandy Close. She underscored the significance of collaboration between ethnic media and community-based organizations, emphasizing the vital role ethnic media plays in reporting, especially in a landscape where trust in social media and mainstream news outlets has dwindled. Sandy Close highlighted ethnic media as a more reliable option, reaffirming its role as a trusted source of information and a force for positive change.
As the echoes of the roundtable discussions dissipate, the spirit of unity and collaboration persists. The event stands as a testament to the transformative power of coming together, breaking bread, and forging partnerships that transcend boundaries. In the ongoing battle against hate and prejudice, Unity Voices has not only initiated but has set the stage for a harmonious symphony of diverse voices working in unison towards a shared goal – a future free from the shackles of hatred.
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This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
