Hamilton community comes together to show up, speak out and stop hate

HAMILTON, ON – Residents and community partners came together at Hamilton City Hall on October 22 to launch Hamilton Together: Show Up, Speak Out, Stop Hate, a public awareness campaign focused on hate prevention and response.

New Hamilton Together campaign connects residents with resources to recognize hate, report incidents and find support

Over 200 residents and community partners gathered to mark the launch of the campaign, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing hate and ensuring residents know where to turn, how to respond and how they can help foster a community where everyone feels safe, respected and welcome.

“Hate has no place in Hamilton. Everyone should feel safe, respected and welcome in our city, and we all have a responsibility to speak out when we see hatred and discrimination,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “Hamilton Together is about turning that shared responsibility into action - giving Hamiltonians the information, resources and support to recognize hate, report incidents and stand up for one another. Thank you to Simoni Lawrence, our community partners and everyone who continues to show up and do this important work. Together, we are sending a clear message that hate will not define our city.”

The October 22 launch marks the beginning of the Hamilton Together campaign. The campaign helps residents understand how to respond when they experience or witness hate and where to turn for information and support. The City will continue working with partners to share campaign resources, amplify community-led initiatives and connect residents with information and supports to help recognize, report and respond to hate.

"Building a safer and more welcoming Hamilton takes ongoing collaboration, education and action. I want to thank City staff and community partners for their dedication, hard work and commitment in bringing Hamilton Together to life," said Mike Zegarac, Interim City Manager. "Through this campaign, we're building on the important work already happening in our community and helping residents access the information and resources they need to recognize and respond to hate."

Hamilton Together: Show Up, Speak Out, Stop Hate advances the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan’s focus on hate prevention and response through public education, resources and community partnership. To learn more visit hamilton.ca/hateprevention.