The city of Orinda adopted a declaration that Nov. 14-20 is United Against Hate Week - a campaign created by Bay Area cities in response to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco in 2017. This year, the cities of Orinda and Lafayette, the town of Moraga, and local school districts have joined the effort.
In introducing the matter as an item for the good of the city at the Nov. 2 city council meeting, Mayor Amy Worth noted that it is critical to know how important it is to not stand by in the face of hateful speech or actions.
Council Member Inga Miller said that Orinda has always been a community of neighbors. "When you hear about incidents," she said, "it is heartbreaking." She added, "Most people are welcoming and compassionate. When there are incidents that don't embody that; it is so important that we gather together and support the persons harmed." Things have been especially difficult during the pandemic, a time of social isolation. Miller speculated that perpetrators are often led by suspicion fed by fear, but the United Against Hate movement wants people to feel empowered to come forward.
As part of the campaign, there will be signs available for display in stores and homes. Available signs say either Orinda United Against Hate or Lamorinda United Against Hate. Other localities have their own signs. City Manager David Biggs directed members of the public interested in obtaining a sign to publicinfo@cityoforinda.org |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA