Bellevue Diversity Forum to Discuss Hate Crimes

The following information is from the :

“Community Building in our Diverse Community,” a forum designed to increase community unity by increasing understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures and viewpoints, will be Wednesday, May 9, at City Hall.

The forum will explore recent state and national statistics related to hate crimes and incidents of malicious harassment. Definitions of harassment, hate crimes and graffiti will be discussed, as well as options and resources for preventing and reporting of these crimes. There will also be a facilitated discussion about how communities can build unity and increase cultural interaction, understanding and appreciation.

According to the 2010 census, minorities now comprise 41 percent of Bellevue's population. Asians alone represent nearly 28 percent of the city's population, the highest share of any city in the state.

The event will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE. Admission is free, but reservations are requested by noon on Monday, May 7.

To RSVP and for more information, contact Kevin Henry at khenry@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-7886.

Speakers will include Uriel Iniguez, state Commission on Hispanic Affairs; Rosa Melendez, regional director with the U.S. Department of Justice; Arsalan Bukhari, executive director with the Council of American and Islamic Relations; and Shomari Jones, senior director with the Black Achievers Program.

This forum is part of an ongoing discussion series sponsored by the Parks & Community Services Cultural Diversity Program called “Conversations about Race and Culture,” which aims to build community and increase cultural appreciation and understanding in Bellevue.