In March of 2022, hate arrived on Commissioner Britton's doorstep when he was one of many recipients of antisemitic propaganda delivered throughout the 14th District. Unable to sit idly by while vitriol spread, Commissioner Britton jumped into action. As a result, the Cook County United Against Hate initiative was catalyzed.
Cook County United Against Hate is a movement, a mission statement, and a mantra that disrupts discrimination by providing visual, verbal, and educational opportunities to stand up against all forms of hate. Through coalition building with organizations from every corner of Cook County, the Cook County United Against Hate initiative has created a growing library of resources for the public to use on their own journeys to combat hate in all its forms.
Cook County United Against Hate has maintained visibility in the community through numerous powerful events. A United Against Antisemitism Rally solidified Cook County United Against Hate's commitment to bringing the community together in the face of bigotry. In May, a United Against Hate March was held in Niles where attendees recited the Cook County United Against Hate pledge and marched through local neighborhoods in solidarity with community members targeted by hate. As part of Cook County Racial Equity Week this fall, Cook County United Against Hate and Simon Wiesenthal Center hosted a conversation about white supremacist ideology and indoctrination with former Nazi Jeff Schoep. Also to highlight Racial Equity Week, Cook County United Against Hate hosted a community activation event, creating a space for residents to learn about and engage with the initiative.
It has been a busy year for Cook County United Against Hate, and the initiative is just getting started. You are invited to sign the pledge and to follow along with upcoming Cook County United Against Hate events in 2023. We hope to see you there!
