The Southern Poverty Law Center, based in Montgomery, AL, works to fight hate by monitoring hate groups and other extremists throughout the U.S. and exposing their activities to law enforcement agencies, the media and public. Currently, its staffers are tracking more than 1,300 extremist groups operating across the country.
In working to heighten its work in fighting hate, the SPLC launched a new initiative this month, designating October as Hate Crimes Awareness Month. The monthlong campaign aims to highlight epidemic of hate-fueled crimes and urge action from public, advocates and policymakers.
“We must stop the cycle of hate that too often ends with dire consequences for Black, Latinx, Asian, Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities, said Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center and SPLC Action Fund. “This campaign underscores the need for all of us to reject hate violence wherever and whenever it occurs — and work together to prevent hate from taking root in the first place.”
Read the full statement from the SPLC, here.