California vs Hate, Oakland Roots, and Community Leaders Kick Off United Against Hate Week with New Downtown Oakland Mural

OAKLAND – California vs Hate and the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club joined elected leaders, Toishan Benevolent Association, Not In Our Town, and community partners today to launch the eighth annual United Against Hate Week (UAHW) with the unveiling of a new public mural, “Together, We Rise,” in downtown Oakland.

“We are always stronger when we come together,” said California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “United Against Hate Week is a chance for everyone from all walks of life to speak out against hate. I’m so proud of the leaders across California who are building up our communities, instead of tearing them down. From murals to film screenings to civil rights trainings, Californians always know how to show up for each other.”

“United Against Hate Week is about more than awareness — it’s about action,” said Civil Rights Department Director Kevin Kish. “With reports of hate crimes on the rise, Californians need resources for support and spaces to come together in solidarity. This mural is a testament to the resilience of people across California and a reminder that when we stand united, we can build communities rooted in justice and belonging.”

“I am proud to have helped found United Against Hate Week in 2017 as a community response to outside hate groups targeting Berkeley,” said State Senator Jesse Arreguin. “To see it grow into a nationwide movement is a testament to both the power of local communities rising up against hate and the need to combat growing hate crimes through compassion, dialogue, and education.”

“Today’s mural unveiling reminds us how, when we come together, community triumphs over hate and violence,” said Oakland City Councilmember Charlene Wang. “Let’s celebrate this achievement, and continue the work of community building so Oakland Chinatown, and all communities, can be free from hate and violence.”

“As a first generation Afghan American born and raised in Oakland and the Bay Area, this mural and its message resonate deeply with me,” said Oakland Roots and Soul SC Co-founder, Edreece Arghandiwal.“The message of love first, is profoundly important especially in this time we currently live in. Oakland is a champion of inclusivity and a beacon of purpose to the world. This mural is a physical representation of the ethos of Oakland Roots and Soul SC and our community.”

“United Against Hate week is an important celebration because it reminds all of us of the need for unity and to stand up against the hate that divides our community,” said David Won, an Oakland native with the Toishan Benevolent Association. “It reminds us of the contribution of all immigrants that made America what we are today. The message of the mural is simple: Together We Rise and support and uplift our entire community.”

“Many thanks to Oakland Roots and all partners involved for giving us the opportunity to channel our creative energy into something that shines a light on our people, our community, and our Town,” said Illuminaries, the artist collective who created the mural.

“Each mural the Sharks create in partnership with local artists is a tribute to the culture, uniqueness, and unity of the people it represents and aligns with the Sharks Teal Together mantra, as we strive to bridge the gap between underrepresented communities and the world of hockey while creating meaningful experiences that go beyond the ice,” said Tim Patnode, Manager of Marketing Programs for the San Jose Sharks. “At its core, this is more than just giving artists a platform – it’s about fostering connection, unity, and a sense of belonging.”

“As we gather to kick off United Against Hate week, and to celebrate the unveiling of this work of public art, Not in Our Town is proud to be a part of this powerful partnership bringing together artists, advocates, leaders, and communities from across California and beyond,” said Justin Lock, Executive Director of Not in Our Town.“We stand, together, united against hatred and unified in our commitment to create places of true belonging.”

Together, We Rise

“Together, We Rise,” created by the Oakland-based Illuminaries Artist Collective, is a vibrant mural that weaves together landmarks like Lake Merritt and Chinatown with symbols of peace, unity, and guardianship embodied by the ‘Oakness Monster.’ The artwork celebrates Oakland’s rich multicultural heritage — honoring its diverse communities, traditions, and resilience while calling for a shared identity rooted in strength and solidarity. The unveiling was the centerpiece of the UAHW kickoff, which featured remarks from state and local leaders, performances, and community partners standing together against hate and discrimination.

United Against Hate Week

United Against Hate Week is a nationwide initiative that mobilizes residents, civic leaders, and organizations to push back against the rise in hate. Taking place this year from October 19 to 25, UAHW was created in response to white supremacist rallies in the Bay Area in 2017 and empowers residents to take action in their communities across the country. The week of action demonstrates that communities united against hate can embrace diversity and build inclusive, equitable communities for all. For a list of UAHW events, visit the 2025 UAHW Calendar.

There’s Support When You Report

While reported hate crimes in California have risen more than 50% since 2020, too many incidents still go unreported. That’s why California is taking nation-leading action to combat hate through civic engagement, local anti-hate programs, and the first statewide commission to track and help address hate. A cornerstone of these efforts is California vs Hate, launched in 2023 as the state’s first multilingual hotline and resource network, providing safe, confidential reporting and connecting victims and witnesses to legal, financial, mental health, and community-based support without requiring engagement with the criminal legal system.

CA vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal. Reports can be made anonymously by calling (833) 866-4283, or 833-8-NO-HATE, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT or online at any time. Hate acts can be reported in 15 different languages through the online portal and in over 200 languages when calling the hotline. For individuals who are in imminent danger, please call 911. For more information on CA vs Hate, please visit CAvsHate.org.

“Together, We Rise” was made possible through the support of Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club, Service West, San Jose Sharks, Oakland Ballers, California vs Hate, and the Toishan Benevolent Association. Visit the mural at 993 Jackson St, Oakland, CA 94607.

Click here to find photos and videos from the press conference.

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California’s civil rights laws. CRD’s mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.

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