Dear Friend of Life After Hate,
Our nation is poised to mark the 250th anniversary of Independence. A significant milestone in a remarkable national journey. Anniversaries invite both celebration and reflection. As we honor the achievements of the past 250 years, it is also important to acknowledge the complexities of our history. The ideals articulated at the nation’s founding inspired generations, yet those ideals were not fully extended to everyone. The ideals proclaimed at the nation’s founding coexisted with systems of enslavement, dispossession, exclusion, and racial hierarchy. White supremacy and violent extremism were embedded in many of the institutions that shaped the country’s early development and continued to influence its history.
Recognizing these realities is not about dwelling on past shortcomings or diminishing the nation’s accomplishments. Rather, it is an opportunity to better understand the full American story, one marked by both progress and struggle.
As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize the challenges our country continues to face. In recent years, we have seen a rise in acts of hate, extremism, and violence aimed at people because of their race, religion, background, identity, or beliefs. These incidents can leave lasting scars on communities and make it harder to build the trust and understanding that bring people together. As we begin the next 250 years of the American story, we all have a role to play in pushing back against hatred, standing up for one another, and choosing respect over division. By doing so, we can help create a future that is safer, stronger, and more welcoming for everyone.
In gratitude,
Heather and Shannon
S:5 Ep. 4 This Is Me
You know the host. Now hear his story. Jamie opens up about his journey into extremism, the forces that kept him involved, and the turning points that changed his life.
Listen Here
Film Screening
A community screening of Healing From Hate sparked reflection, dialogue, and connection through a film and panel on pathways out of extremism.
Read More Here
Double Your Impact
As we celebrate another year of Life After Hate, your gift can go twice as far. Help us unlock a generous match before July 15.
Make a Gift Here
Restoration Week
This first week in July, Life After Hate will observe our annual staff wellness week. We began observing Restoration Week four years ago, recognizing that the start of summer marks an important time for our team to be off, rest, rejuvenate, and spend time with their family and friends.
Given the intensity of the work that we do, it is important that the team takes this time to focus on themselves and their wellbeing. When they return, they will be ready to focus wholeheartedly on serving our participants once again. Enjoy the summer holiday!
