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As so many others, I am deeply saddened and distressed over the recent increase in hate crimes across our country. Unfortunately, our own community has not been exempt from these tragedies. Will Sims, recently murdered in El Sobrante and Maan Khalsa, brutally attacked in Richmond, were peaceful men who were allegedly targeted for their race or ethnicity.
All
murders and assaults are tragic. But crimes committed out of hate bring added pain and disgust, for what they say about people, and about our society.
These crimes hit a hometown nerve. They happened in our own back yard. In communities I proudly represent as County Supervisor. Richmond and El Sobrante are good places, with caring people. We should not let these incidents wipe out all of the goodness in our local communities.
At this moment, it is important for us, as a community, to support the families of Will Sims and Maan Khalsa. They are experiencing a pain that is hard for any of us to imagine.
We must take a powerful stand against racism, and against all forms of hate.
I'm joining with other public officials, community leaders and organizations to strongly respond to the deeply concerning increase in hate crimes and hostility since the November 8th Presidential election.
Our goals must be to protect the most vulnerable, stand up to intolerance at every level of society, insist on true justice, and embrace diversity as one of the greatest strengths of our neighborhoods, our cities, our state and our nation. Including right here in Contra Costa County.
I have always fought for these goals. But I will intensify these efforts at this important time; whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.
Let's not let these crimes be in vain.
WHAT: COMMUNITY FORUM to address Hate Crimes, Intimidation, Harassment, and fear of deportation by our immigrant communities. (Listening to concerns and offering resources)
WHEN: Saturday, December 10, 2016, 10 am to Noon
WHERE: Boys and Girls Club of El Sobrante,
4660 Appian Way, El Sobrante
WHO: Assemblyman Tony Thurmond, Supervisor John Gioia, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt, Contra Costa Public Defender, Richmond Human Relations and Rights Commission, West Contra Costa Unified School District, ACLU, Catholic Charities, California Association of Human Relations Organizations, Department of Fair Housing and Employment, CAIR, NAACP, Richmond Rainbow Pride, and United Teachers of Richmond.
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