Sacramento: Black Orgs Stand with Other Groups to Request Extension of Stop the Hate Funding

May 6, 2026

On April 28, Black-led organizations and other anti-hate groups gathered at California's State Capitol to advocate for renewing funding for the Stop the Hate program, which is set to expire in June 2026. The program, operated by the California Department of Social Services with approximately $250 million in funding since 2021, supports over 180 community organizations that assist hate crime victims and work on prevention efforts. Black Californians are disproportionately affected by hate crimes, comprising nearly 30% of victims despite representing only 6% of the state's population, with 494 anti-Black hate crime events reported in 2024.

Who is affected

Black Californians (representing 6% of California's population but nearly 30% of hate crime victims)
Black Youth Leadership Project (BYLP) and its clients in Sacramento and Los Angeles regions
NAACP California Hawaii State Conference and approximately 50-plus people who have received legal assistance
Over 180 community-based organizations receiving grants statewide
AAPI, Latino, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities
Black students facing disproportionate school discipline, particularly in Elk Grove Unified School District
Victims of hate crimes and incidents across California

What action is being taken

Black-led organizations and anti-hate groups are gathering at the California State Capitol for a "Stop the Hate Day of Action"
Organizations are advocating for renewal of state funding for the Stop the Hate program
The California Department of Social Services is operating the Stop the Hate Program and funding a network of over 180 community-based organizations
BYLP is providing direct support to families, helping them navigate school district disciplinary actions
NAACP CA/HI is offering free legal consultations and representation to victims through the "Stop the Hate Legal Redress" program
NAACP CA/HI is collaborating with the state's CA vs Hate hotline for victim referrals

Why it matters

This funding is critical because Black Californians face disproportionate targeting by hate crimes, experiencing victimization rates nearly five times higher than their population representation would suggest. Without continued funding, vulnerable communities would lose access to essential services including legal representation, educational advocacy, and support systems that help victims navigate discrimination in schools and workplaces. The program has enabled organizations to expand their geographic reach and serve more people, addressing systemic issues like racial disparities in school discipline and removing financial barriers to legal counsel for those experiencing hate crimes and racial harassment.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint