Stop the Hate | Partner Stories
Empowering Communities Through Storytelling
Sacramento State University
The Center’s Stop the Hate program, launched in partnership with the California Department of Social Services, began as an effort to protect Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities from hate crimes. Today, it has grown into a comprehensive initiative addressing systemic biases and hate affecting a wide range of communities facing discrimination. 
The Center partners with over 35 statewide, Northern California and San Joaquin Valley community-based organizations as we work together in community to prevent and respond to hate incidents effectively.
One such partner, Sacramento State University (Sac State), fulfills this mission by integrating Stop the Hate into undergraduate Ethnic Studies courses, where Sac State students use their community connections and artistic creativity to produce multimedia presentations, artwork and films. These projects celebrate the diversity of AAPI experiences and build understanding across communities. Scroll down to learn more and enjoy the creative and educational work showcased by students at the end-of-semester Stop the Hate “Arts and Media Showcase,” hosted on the Sac State campus in December 2024.
Student Documentaries Showcase
Watch how Stop the Hate’s Sac State students use art and media to highlight AAPI diversity and combat hate in this overview video of the course, the event and the student projects highlighted. Through their course on Asian American Studies, students used art and media to shed light on the diversity and resilience of AAPI communities, while addressing the critical issue of hate crimes. Hear from Sacramento State University Professor Dr. Will Gow in this behind-the-scenes look at the Ethnic Studies course. It features takeaways from student-produced documentaries that explore personal stories, cultural identity and community impact.
Student Gallery of Resilience and Identity
Explore the powerful stories behind the art created by students as part of the Stop the Hate initiative. This gallery showcases their diverse projects, each reflecting a unique perspective on identity, resilience and community. Accompanied by personal quotes from the artists, these pieces highlight the students’ messages of empowerment, cultural pride and the fight against hate. Each artwork is a testament to the transformative role of art in fostering understanding and driving social change. Take a closer look and connect with the meaning and intention behind these moving creations.
Manicure Memoir. Life Is 2 Short 4 Bad Nails.
“It is important to note that most refugees, even as they express gratitude for their lives in America, mourn the tattered conditions of their beloved Vietnam and the fact that our people are still suffering.”
Home Isn’t Home
“I’m a Hmong American and I don’t really know my language that well, or my culture. I felt the same exact way as the Cambodians who felt inferior and ‘too American,’ so I wanted to do my project on this topic.”
The Vessel of Truth
“The purpose of this project was to critique harmful rhetoric by using the ship as a vessel to reflect on the harmful messages of hate and misinformation that are prevalent in our daily lives. Covered in provocative images, it calls for awareness, dialogue, and action against prejudice.”
My Identity is My Own
“As a woman, I feel it’s important to affirm who you are and that you are worthy despite what other people say.”
Highlights from an Inspiring Evening
Glimpse into the Stop the Hate Arts & Media Showcase through this collection of event photos. From the thoughtfully designed signage to candid moments of connection and celebration, these images capture the spirit behind an evening dedicated to storytelling, community and resilience.
Reflections from the Sac State Community
Hear directly from the Sac State community as they share their experiences and insights on the transformative power of the Stop the Hate program. These quotes highlight the program’s impact on learning, creativity and shifting public perceptions.
“The [Stop the Hate] grant allowed us to take this concept that I had for a course and make it into a reality. The first half of the course, students learn about different Asian American communities and their experiences during the pandemic. We talk about the way in which different communities are represented and we talk about the experiences of the communities themselves. Half way through the course, students are expected to use their own connections and go out and work in small groups… The goal of the class is to move the public perception of Asian Americans.”
“I am grateful for this experience because I got to learn not just about myself but the community that I didn’t yet know I needed… With the Stop the Hate grant, we were able to get iPads and all the equipment that we need to let students be creative.“
“My documentary is called Miss COVID 2020 and it’s focused on Miss Vietnam’s NorCal pageant… I wanted to see behind the scenes, what really happened during COVID.”