Press Releases

Today, the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA-02), issued a pre-buttal to President Trump’s speech this evening to a joint session of Congress.

“Tonight’s speech to a joint session of Congress is President Trump’s first best chance to address all of the hate that has been directed at Black, Jewish, Latino, Muslim, Asian, LGBT and other Americans in the wake of his campaign and presidency. If he doesn’t condemn the hate and threats directed at these marginalized communities and others, he will confirm that he condones it.”

During President Trump’s campaign and presidency, hate crimes committed against marginalized communities have increased. In some instances, the perpetrator(s) have said or implied that their support of President Trump inspired their crimes.

Examples of Hate Crimes in the Trump Era 

• Olathe, Kansas – A white man walked into a bar and yelled racial slurs, including “get out of my country,” at two Indian men before opening fire and injuring one man and killing another.

• Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) – 48 JCCs in 26 states and one Canadian province received nearly 60 bomb threats during January, according to the Jewish Community Center Association, an association of JCCs. Source

• Philadelphia, PA – 75-100 headstones were overturned at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, a Jewish cemetery. Muslim-Americans have offered to help with recovery efforts.

• Wellsville, New York – Shortly after the election, someone drew a swastika and the words “Make America White Again” on a dugout wall.

• In Orange County, Calif., a Latino gardener was told to “go home.” In Los Angeles, anti-Latino hate crimes increased 69 percent in 2015.