#NoHate48

I condemn all hate speech, including the anti-Palestinian and antisemitic graffiti that has been reported in Edgewater. Combating hate requires all of us to come together around our shared values to protect our neighbors and community. The 48th ward team works with the Commission on Human Relations, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the police, and others to respond to hate incidents as they happen. In City Council, I co-sponsored the Resolution in support of "uniting for peace," calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and I encouraged my colleagues to do the same.

It's distressing to see signs of hate in our community, but we are not powerless against them. Last year, I co-sponsored the Chi vs. Hate ordinance so that people have a pathway to report hate incidents before they escalate into hate crimes. If you see or hear hate in our community, report it to our office immediately at 773-784-5277 or info@the48thward.org.

We will continue speaking with affected people and groups, especially our youth, to learn about their experiences and find out what they need. Remember that we are stronger together and those of us who lead with love and kindness outnumber those who don't.