In California’s rural, predominantly white regions, ethnic minorities face racism as a persistent reality. From hate speech and bullying to workplace and housing discrimination, these experiences foster fear and isolation. Many feel hesitant to report hate incidents due to distrust in local authorities or a lack of accessible resources.
To address these barriers, California launched CA vs Hate in May 2023. This state-led initiative provides an innovative hotline and resource network offering culturally competent, non-law enforcement support for victims of hate incidents. Amid a nearly twofold increase in hate crimes between 2019 and 2023, the program tackles the urgent need for safe and effective reporting mechanisms.
As the initiative nears its second anniversary, key questions remain: How well is CA vs Hate serving rural communities? What obstacles persist, and how can these challenges inform broader solutions for rural America?
The CA vs Hate Program
Kevin Kish, Director of the California Civil Rights Department, explained the program’s unique approach during a recent briefing. Unlike traditional law enforcement-led systems, CA vs Hate emphasizes:
- Anonymity: Victims can report incidents without sharing personal information.
- Cultural Competence: Support is provided in over 200 languages.
- Care Coordination: Callers are connected with legal aid, mental health services, and other resources.
- Accessibility: Services are available regardless of immigration status or location.
In its first year, the hotline received over 1,000 reports, with two-thirds seeking follow-up support. However, significant underreporting persists in rural counties like Del Norte, Sutter, and Mariposa, underscoring ongoing challenges.
The briefing featured four community leaders whose contributions illuminated the complexities of addressing hate in rural California.
Kim Stoll, Communications Director for the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, shared her experiences fostering understanding between Native communities and the predominantly white population in El Dorado County. She emphasized the importance of education in challenging stereotypes and promoting empathy.
Stoll recounted early resistance to tribal efforts to present authentic historical narratives, such as the impact of the Gold Rush on Native populations. Over time, persistence has led to progress, with local communities increasingly open to recognizing Native perspectives and history.
She also highlighted the ongoing climate of caution for Native communities in places like Placerville, formerly known as “Hangtown,” where tribal members often conceal their identity to avoid discrimination. Stoll applauded CA vs Hate for creating a safe space for reporting incidents and called for greater outreach to tribal communities.
Gaonu Vang, Communications Manager at Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP), focused on the challenges facing the Hmong and Southeast Asian American populations in California. With over 107,000 Hmong individuals in the state, Vang highlighted issues like anti-Asian hate, deportation threats for green card holders, and systemic marginalization.
Vang praised CA vs Hate for bringing attention to these challenges but noted that trust-building within the Hmong community is critical. Historical underreporting stems from fear, isolation, and cultural disconnect. HIP’s youth-focused strategies, including its “Three Bs” framework (Belong, Believe, Become), aim to foster leadership and agency among young Hmong individuals while building solidarity with other BIPOC communities.
Marlene Thomas, Executive Director of the Imperial Valley Social Justice Committee, shared insights into the systemic challenges faced by marginalized groups in her predominantly Latino community. While Latinos comprise 90% of Imperial Valley’s population, she noted issues of internalized discrimination and hate within the community itself, complicating efforts for solidarity.
Thomas highlighted the widespread underreporting of hate crimes, driven by mistrust in law enforcement and fears of retaliation. She cited examples of social media hate speech perpetuated by individuals linked to law enforcement, further eroding community trust.
Her grassroots organization collaborates with groups like the ACLU to educate residents about their rights and provide critical resources. Thomas called for sustained strategic planning to raise public awareness and ensure accessible support for marginalized groups, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Though Chairwoman Regina Cuellar of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians could not attend, her insights were shared by Kim Stoll and emphasized the unique challenges faced by tribal communities. Cuellar has been a vocal advocate for initiatives like CA vs Hate, particularly in addressing systemic distrust of law enforcement among Indigenous populations.
The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians has demonstrated resilience in the face of historical and ongoing inequities, building a strong community on a reservation established without basic resources. Cuellar’s leadership underscores the importance of direct engagement with tribal communities to foster trust and collaboration.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The contributions of these leaders highlight the vital role of community engagement in combating hate and fostering inclusion. Moving forward, several priorities emerge:
- Expanding Local Partnerships: Collaborate with trusted organizations, faith leaders, and media outlets to increase awareness of resources like CA vs Hate.
- Enhancing Multilingual Outreach: Tailor resources to meet the specific cultural and linguistic needs of diverse communities.
- Investing in Education: Foster understanding and empathy through educational initiatives that challenge stereotypes and promote shared histories.
- Strengthening Trust: Build long-term relationships with marginalized communities to address historical and systemic barriers to reporting.
In conclusion California’s CA vs Hate initiative exemplifies a commitment to addressing hate incidents with empathy and cultural awareness. However, the stories shared by leaders like Kim Stoll, Gaonu Vang, Marlene Thomas, and Regina Cuellar underscore the need for sustained efforts, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
By amplifying these voices and implementing their recommendations, California can set a powerful example for combating hate and fostering equity across America. For more information, visit CAvsHate.org or call 833-8-NO-HATE. Together, Californians can build a future where safety, respect, and empowerment are the norm for all.
#StopHate #CAvsHate #RuralJustice #DiversityInclusion #CommunityEmpowerment #AntiRacism #CulturalCompetence #SocialJustice #HateFreeCA #EquityForAll #IndigenousVoices #HmongCommunity #GrassrootsChange #MinorityAdvocacy #TogetherAgainstHate #EndRacism #SupportDiversity #InclusiveCalifornia #RuralVoicesMatter #EmpowerCommunities