SACRAMENTO, CA (May 15, 2025) – On May 13, more than 200 community leaders from across the state convened at the capital for the first-ever “Stop the Hate Day of Action” to educate policymakers on the increasing rates of hate incidents in California and the need for continued resources and support.
Leaders from Stop the Hate, a multiracial network of 180 nonprofit organizations committed to serving survivors of hate, participated in the Day of Action. They represented organizations serving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), African American and Black, Latino, Indigenous, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities throughout California.
Community leaders met with representatives from more than 100 legislative offices to shed light on how Californians are ending hate and to promote the essential role of their organizations in building healthy and safe communities. The “Stop the Hate Day of Action” was organized by AAPI Equity Alliance, Asian Health Services, Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties, Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA) and The Center at Sierra Health Foundation in conjunction with a convening attended by more than 300 individuals the day prior.
“Our places of gathering are no longer safe and are under threat,” said Khydeeja Alam, executive director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA) in her opening remarks. “Our elders are scared to walk alone. Our youth are asking if they belong. We’re here to remind lawmakers that hate is not over, but we’re also here to remind them that we are not powerless.”
“Hate does not discriminate,” said Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance. “Our multiracial coalition came together to highlight the continued increase of hate incidents in all of our communities. As we see the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion under attack, we must do all that we can to safeguard our communities here in California, to be a leader for our nation.”
The program included remarks from Assemblymember Mike Fong (AD-49), Chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC); Assemblymember Alex Lee (AD-24), Parliamentarian of the California AAPILC; Assemblymember Ash Kalra (AD-25); and former Assemblymember Phil Ting.
“Today is such a critical day for visibility at the capital,” said Assemblymember Fong. “Hate is not going away. With the rhetoric that’s out there now, Stop the Hate is more critical than ever in uplifting our communities and protecting our democracy. We must continue to invest in programs that serve all Californians, regardless of their race, religion, sexuality, or abilities.”
The Stop the Hate program is the first-of-its-kind, addressing hate and protecting California’s communities. In its first year, Stop the Hate reached more than 3 million Californians through prevention and intervention services. The program is made possible by the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Equity Budget, a historic investment of $165.5 million passed by the California State Legislature in 2021. Learn more at: https://stopthehateca.org/our-story
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AAPI Equity Alliance
AAPI Equity Alliance (AAPI Equity) is a coalition of more than 50 community-based organizations serving the diverse needs of the 1.6 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles County and beyond. It is dedicated to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through civic engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
Stop the Hate
The Stop the Hate program is a statewide initiative of 180 organizations dedicated to serving survivors of hate and fostering healthy neighborhoods. As the Los Angeles County Regional Lead, AAPI Equity Alliance supports 42 organizations serving Asian, Black, disabled, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and Pacific Islander communities. For more information about the Stop the Hate program, visit: https://stopthehateca.org/
