CA vs Hate – Commemorating Black History Month

As we embark on Black History Month, California vs Hate remains committed to fostering inclusivity and standing against hate. Black History Month is an opportunity to not only celebrate the incredible achievements and resilience of the Black community but also to reflect on the challenging history of hate crimes that continue to harm Black Americans.

The continued rise of hate incidents

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) released a report last June detailing the alarming rise in hate crimes reported to law enforcement, with an overall increase of more than 20% in reported incidents across California for 2022. Particularly concerning was the prevalence of hate crimes targeting Black individuals, which increased in frequency during the same period.

The FBI recently released a special report on hate crimes in schools, highlighting incidents of racial discrimination, harassment, and violence targeting Black students in schools. In 2022, data shows 66% of the race-based hate incidents that occurred in U.S. schools that year targeted Black students.

These concerning trends point to the reality that Black communities are among the most targeted for hate in California and ultimately reinforce our collective responsibility to stand in solidarity as allies and advocate for change.