Hate Crime Resources for Knoxville TN

Collecting Hate Crimes Resources from a Community Partners Conference Call

November 24, 2022 Beau Knowles KnoxLGBTBusinesses

I recently set in on a Community Partners Conference Call with the FBI, Department of Justice and local law enforcement for Colorado Springs related to the Club Q LGBTQ nightclub shooting on Nov 20, 2022. I collected information on Hate Crimes, what they are, and how to report them. The photo I am using was searched under "erase hate." If you want to read more about the investigation into the shooting, please follow the CNN News story link at the end of this article. My sympathies to all individuals that have experienced Hate Crimes or any form of violence.  ~Beau Knowles 

WHAT ARE HATE CRIMES: 

On the Department of Justice webpage, you can see that "Hate Crimes are a top National Threat Priority". The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division discussed Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act which are Federal Civil Rights Statutes that expanded hate crimes to include "crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability."  Visit the FBI website to learn more about these Federal Civil Rights Statutes https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/civil-rights/federal-civil-rights-statutes 

Learn about Hate Crimes on the Department of Justice website https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/learn-about-hate-crimes

HOW TO REPORT A HATE CRIME:

In an emergency always call 911. Then report to one of these organizations. 

Report a Hate Crime with the Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes

To report Hate Crimes Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI 1 800-225-5324 or visit FBI Tips Website  www.tips.fbi.gov

Knoxville FBI Field Office (865) 544-0751  www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/knoxville 

OTHER PROGRAMS: 

New programs through the Department of Justice "United Against Hate" Programs. "Through the United Against Hate Initiative, All 94 U.S. Attorneys' Offices Will Host Outreach and Community Engagement Programs to Address and Prevent Unlawful Acts of Hate Over the Next Year; 16 Districts Will Roll Out Programs This Fall". Learn more by visiting the Department of Justice Website https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-launches-nationwide-initiative-combat-unlawful-acts-hate 

Participate in FBI Outreach Programs "The Community Relations Unit at FBI Headquarters and FBI community outreach specialists in field offices across the country create and strengthen relationships locally and nationally with minority groups, religious and civic organizations, schools, non-profits, and other entities." Some of the Programs they have developed are Citizens Academies, Community Awareness Presentations, Multi-Cultural Engagement Council, Teen/Youth Academies, Adopt-A-School, Junior Special Agent and more. To learn about programs near you, email: outreach@fbi.gov or visit https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/outreach 

Learn about the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division LGBTQI+ working group on their website. www.justice.gov/crt/lgbtqi-working-group

CNN News Article about the Shooting 11/20/2022 Colorado Springs Shooting at Gay Night Club. amp.cnn.com/cnn/2022/11/20/us/colorado-springs-shooting-gay-nightclub/

My sympathies to all individuals that have experienced Hate Crimes or any form of violence. ~Beau Knowles knoxlgbtbusinesses@gmail.com