(WIFR) – With rising hate and discrimination to minorities, local peace groups focus on ways to end hate in the stateline.
Ann Rundall with Eliminate Racism 815 doesn’t understand why hate thrives in this country, and why it drives people to say awful things and commit heinous crimes.
“What kind of trauma have people been through in their life that has caused them to want to be a part of a hate group?” asks Rundall.
Rundall also can’t process why hate grows here in our local communities.
The Southern Poverty Law Center released its annual report Thursday on white nationalist, neo-Nazi and anti-government extremist group activity in the United States.
In the U.S., there are 1,371 hate and antigovernment extremist groups. Illinois has 55 of those groups.
Reverend Violet Johnicker says those pushing for peace make up a bigger voice than the ones spreading hate.
“Those are a vocal minority so they might seem like they have a big microphone, but they represent such a small group of people in this community that is one of inclusion,” said Rev. Johnicker.
Community advocate Bob Babcock works with many community advocacy groups. He says negative groups are made up of people who feel the need to belong somewhere and the way to fight back is to stand your ground.
“There are people with common fears and angers and when they flock together, they don’t seem so all alone, said Babcock. ”Maybe we oughta see about feeding love and loving one another cause I truly believe that the antidote for hate.”
Rev. Johnicker says people need to get out into the community and create relationships to help combat the hate.
“Going to a neighborhood group, maybe spending some time with your family at the playground and getting to know the other people in your neighborhood – the more that we lift those up and build upon those things, the more that were gonna minimize and make hate irrelevant,” said Johnicker.
To get involved with what Eliminate Racism 815 is doing, leaders suggest following its Facebook page.
On July 15, the group will be having a unity fest at Levings Lake to bring local advocacy groups together.
Residents can also report acts of hate online. Help Stop Hateis a confidential statewide service that provides support and resources to people and communities affected by hate.
The phone line is open from noon-9 p.m. Monday-Friday for English and Spanish speakers at 877-458-4283. Specialists can provide resources and referrals to agencies for mental and physical health support, trauma-informed care and advocacy.
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