Communitiy: Stand United Against Hate community event held Nov. 16 at library
Stand United Against Hate community event to be held Nov. 16 at library
By Marty Cheek
Although the South Valley holds a warm and neighborly spirit, it hasn’t been immune to the winds of hate sweeping the nation. Anti-Semitic and homophobic slurs have jolted residents, raising the specter that division could take root.
Rather than despair, some residents started banding together to fight back against bigotry and discord.
“With all the turmoil in the U.S. and the world today a local group has coalesced to Stand United Against Hate,” said Gilroy AAUW (American Association of University Women) publicity chair Connie Rogers. “The local Interfaith Council and the Gilroy Branch of AAUW and the city of Gilroy are trying to promote greater understanding and acceptance among all community members.”
At the Nov. 6 Gilroy City Council meeting, Mayor Marie Blankley and councilmembers plan to endorse the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, the United States is a nation of immigrants, whose strength comes from its diversity; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution enshrines equality on all individuals, regardless of race, gender, orientation, religion, or political views; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy wishes to affirm its commitment to the well-being and safety of all its diverse communities, including Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC); Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning Plus (LGBTQ+); and all others; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy wishes to ensure that its BIPOC, AAPI, LGBTQ+, and other diverse communities are not alone and that they can speak out to help stop the spread of bigotry; and
WHEREAS, due to the history of violence against communities of Color, we must work together to create community-centered solutions that stop the violence in all communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Gilroy stands together with our diverse communities and calls on all constituents and leaders to join us in condemning racist, homophobic, and harassing attacks against communities of Color, in all forms, and renewing our commitment to speak out against such attacks, defend and protect those targeted, and seek out and punish those who commit hate crimes against any members of our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Marie Blankley, Mayor of the City of Gilroy, on this 6th day of November 2023, together with the City Council, do hereby proclaim November 13 – 17, 2023 as UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK.
The AAUW plans to have several of its members and supporters present at the council meeting when the proclamation is presented.
To support this proclamation, the group will make available free posters/window signs to share with all homes and businesses.
The coalition will also sponsor a public program at the Gilroy Library from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Nov. 16 with the aim of creating a stronger community, Rogers said.
“We hope to provide an opportunity for Gilroy residents to get to know and understand each other with an interactive discussion,” she said. “We are asking participants to bring ideas to share about how we can build a compassionate community.”
The Morgan Hill Stands United Against Hate (UAH) grassroots movement also aims to make compassion contagious in this tight-knit community and prevent intolerance from taking hold. An upcoming event is organized by a committee made up of the city’s Library, Culture, and Arts Commission
Organizers will host a kick-off for the week-long event from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Morgan Hill Library. Participants will hear short, inspiring, and thought-provoking talks, as well as enjoy a sampling of diverse music, poetry, and arts performances.
As part of the campaign, posters will be distributed to local businesses and residents to display. The week of Nov. 12-18 will feature various activities centered around inclusion, compassion and speaking out against bigotry.
Noshaba Afzal, a Gilroy resident, is playing a leading role in the initiative. She described a short-term goal is for all community members to agree hate has no place here. A member of the Interfaith Community of South County and South Valley Islamic Community, she wants South Valley to send a strong message that targeted hate will not be tolerated.
“By standing up actively against hate, we can build a community of mutual respect and compassion,” Afzal said. “Hate in any form is not welcome here.”
Locally, Afzal said, Muslims have experienced increased Islamophobia when propaganda and hate spread. One incident occured at a meeting of the Santa Clara County Commissioners Office.
“I recall Muslims were targeted and heckled during public town hall meetings at the Morgan Hill Grange when they spoke during public comments and received direct and indirect threats,” she said.