Compassion•Unity• Love—Stronger Than Hate

In light of recent tragic events I thought I would use this blog post as a public forum to support those lost in both the recent Pittsburgh and California shootings and a way WE all can rally and band together as ONE community.

Here is an important call-to-action and Ten Ways to Fight Hate!

1. Act

In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance by the perpetrators, the public, and worse—the victims.

2. Join Forces

There is power in numbers. Reach out to allies. Open dialogues.

3. Support the Victims

If you know a hate crime victim, reach out. If you are the victim of a hate crime, report the incident.

4. Speak Up

Goodness has a First Amendment right, too.

5. Educate Yourself

An informed campaign improves its effectiveness.

6. Create An Alternative

Meet every act of hatred with an act of love and unity.

7. Pressure Leaders

The fight against hate needs community leaders willing to take and active role.

8. Stay Engaged

The best cure for hate is a united community.

9. Teach Acceptance

Bias is learned early, often at home.

10. Dig Deeper

Look inside yourself for biases and stereotypes.

“Hatred can‘t weaken a city of steel.”

The city of Pittsburgh and it’s leaders and communities have truly took these tragedies and shined a beacon of light for those afflicted and personified a true testament to what human beings can do in the face of awful, despicable acts of violence and hatred.

Here are some ways YOU can offer your support to this cause:

TribLIVE-“Stronger Than Hate” T-Shirts

https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14236181-74/stronger-than-hate-shirts-available-with-proceeds-benefiting-tree-of-life-synagogue

The Pittsburgh Penguins foundation have ways for their fans and members of the public to contribute to this worthwhile cause. https://pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org/product/stronger-than-hate-patch/

The Pittsburgh Steelers players showed their support by wearing the logo on their cleats.

I invite you to watch this #PittsburghStrong tribute video.

In closing, I felt inspired and part of my public duty to pay my respects and invite each one of you reading to pay-it-forward. Let’s ALL do our part to help support those in need and pull together as a community. My heart breaks for all the lives lost and my prayers go out to all the victims and their families. And I seriously hope these acts of hatred and violence stops. I will end this by saying I’m proud of all the first responders, healthcare personnel and all those who lended a helping hand for the victims and their families. I‘m proud to be a Pittsburgher.