AAPI Equity Alliance Strengthens California's Anti-Hate Network

The organization partners with community groups to provide support and services for victims of hate incidents.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a community center or support organization building, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting across the exterior. The image conveys a sense of quiet resilience and community care.The AAPI Equity Alliance's network of community organizations provides a vital lifeline for those affected by hate incidents in California.Long Beach Today

The AAPI Equity Alliance, as the Los Angeles County Regional Lead for California's Stop the Hate program, coordinates with community organizations like The LGBTQ Center Long Beach to connect people affected by hate incidents to legal aid, mental health services, and other support. The article highlights how the program has helped families like the Garners and the Roques, who experienced harassment and violence but found assistance through the network.

Why it matters

The article sheds light on the broader issue of hate incidents that often fall outside the legal definition of hate crimes, leaving many survivors without recourse. The AAPI Equity Alliance's work in building a statewide coalition to prevent hate and support survivors demonstrates how community-based organizations can fill this gap and provide vital assistance.

The details

The AAPI Equity Alliance partners with The LGBTQ Center Long Beach and other community groups under California's Stop the Hate program, a statewide coalition aimed at preventing hate and supporting survivors. As the Los Angeles County Regional Lead, the AAPI Equity Alliance coordinates grantees, facilitates cross-community collaboration, and helps ensure services reach those most impacted. The program provides legal aid, mental health services, emergency assistance, and other support to survivors of hate incidents.

  • In May 2022, Patricia Roque and her family were attacked after a late-night stop at a fast-food drive-thru in Southern California.
  • In 2021, the California State Legislature passed the $165.5 million Asian Pacific Islander Equity Budget, with $110 million dedicated to victim services, education, and outreach.
  • In August 2023, California invested an additional $40 million to expand the Stop the Hate program to serve a broader range of communities affected by hate and discrimination.

The players

AAPI Equity Alliance

A statewide coalition that partners with community organizations to prevent hate and support survivors of hate incidents in California.

The LGBTQ Center Long Beach

A community organization that provides legal, mental health, and other support services to families affected by hate incidents, in partnership with the AAPI Equity Alliance.

Filipino Migrant Center (FMC)

A community-based organization that has received Stop the Hate funding and works within the AAPI Equity Alliance network to provide immediate support to families affected by hate incidents.

Aurelle Garner

A Southern California resident who received support from The LGBTQ Center Long Beach after her family experienced harassment and violence.

Patricia Roque

A Southern California resident who was connected to the Filipino Migrant Center after her family was attacked in a hate-fueled incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know where we'd be if it weren't for their help. They didn't just give legal advice. They helped us navigate a system that had otherwise dismissed us.”

— Aurelle Garner

“The police arrived long after it was over. By then, the damage was already done.”

— Patricia Roque

“Before this, I wasn't involved in organizing at all. Through this process, I realized my voice mattered. FMC helped turn something traumatic into a way to support others and push for change.”

— Patricia Roque

What’s next

The AAPI Equity Alliance and its partner organizations will continue to advocate for increased funding and resources to expand the Stop the Hate program and provide more comprehensive support to communities affected by hate incidents across California.

The takeaway

The AAPI Equity Alliance's work in building a statewide coalition to prevent hate and support survivors demonstrates how community-based organizations can play a vital role in addressing the gaps in the legal system and providing essential assistance to those affected by hate incidents, which often fall outside the narrow definition of hate crimes.