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FRAMING to unify a communii iinst hate <br />64When community leaders unify, they stay unified, rather than <br />divide in tumultuous times.19 <br />— Jeff Tudor, Chief, San Leandro Police Department <br />Responding to the string of hate incidents in San Leandro, the national political climate in advance of the 2016 Presidential <br />election, and national tragedies like the Pulse Nightclub shooting and the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, <br />UITC began organizing a rally to speak out against racism in the community. Some UITC coalition members were concerned <br />that use of the phrase "rally" might invite an array of protestors from across the Bay Area. According to Chief Tudor, UITC <br />agreed to shift the framing of the event from a "rally" against racism to a "Unity Walk," aimed at bringing the San Leandro <br />community together in the face of hate. <br />On September 24, 2016, UITC hosted their Unity <br />Walk to support the diversity of the community and <br />San Leandro's "evolution into a multi -race, diverse, <br />and progressive city." More than a hundred diverse <br />community members walked from San Leandro High <br />School to City Hall. Ashcraft recalled children carrying <br />signs opposed to racism walking next to Black Lives <br />Matter advocates. An eight -year -old white girl spoke <br />out against racism, carrying a sign proclaiming, "she <br />would not be silent" <br />Chief Tudor views his role as an opportunity to <br />make peace and improve relationships. The Unity <br />Walk enabled San Leandro law enforcement to <br />begin breaking down stereotypes and divisions <br />between community members and law enforcement <br />suggesting the Unity March was an opportunity <br />to form relationships that may not otherwise exist. <br />Councilmember Lee agreed that the Unity Walk was <br />a "first effort to work together with the police" Not <br />only did San Leandro residents need to vent about <br />the police -community relations and racism in the <br />community; the community needed to begin working <br />collaboratively with public safety officials. <br />ENHANCE CONSTRCUTIVE PRACTICES <br />With intention, UITC strives to enhance ordinances targeting hate speech. UITC members considered how to affect change, <br />listening to experts from the legal and law enforcement community, and identifying how government regulates hate speech <br />at local, regional, statewide, and national levels. <br />Grant admits UITC is still working to enhance hate crime penalties, but the group keeps hitting roadblocks: "People keep <br />telling us we cannot do this." Souza identified jurisdictional challenges in strengthening ordinances targeting hate speech, <br />noting the San Leandro often does not have jurisdiction to charge individuals for hate incidents — instead, the burden falls <br />with the county, state or federal government. <br />Recognizing the lack of action to strengthen laws targeting hate speech, Ashcraft admits UITC needs to refocus its energy. <br />"We have an atmosphere in the country ... which emboldens people," so the group must continue to advocate. Souza <br />agreed, "Now people are more opinionated and boisterous" <br />While UITC has hit a series of roadblocks regarding enhanced hate speech legislation, UITC members have observed <br />increased trust and collaboration in the community. Chief Tudor described a recent rally in Root Park, which is only a few <br />blocks from City Hall, as a peaceful gathering of the San Leandro community in response to several tragic national events. <br />