Annapolis, MD (June 5, 2025) – The Anne Arundel County Office of Equity and Human Rights (OEHR) recently launched a new public education campaign, “Uncover Hate” as part of its broader Hate Crimes Prevention Program. Funded by a $1.2 million grant from the US Department of Justice, the initiative aims to improve community understanding on how to effectively identify and report hate crimes and hate bias incidents, and strengthen local response and prevention efforts.
"In 2020, after leading the state in reported hate bias incidents, Anne Arundel County changed our slogan to 'The Best Place - For All' to let everyone know that they are welcome here," said County Executive Steuart Pittman. "The Hate Crimes Prevention Program is a direct reflection of our values and the work we have started since then to build a community where all individuals feel welcomed, safe, respected, and valued."
The Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program team, led by Nicola “Dr. Nikki” Smith-Kea, PhD, is pursuing a multi-pronged approach that includes public education, law enforcement support, and community collaboration. The approach includes:
- The “Uncover Hate” Campaign, accessible in English, Spanish, and Korean, to help residents identify and report hate crimes and bias incidents, and inform them on what to do if they witness or experience an incident.
- A Community Survey, inviting residents to share their experiences and perspectives to help us shape future prevention and response strategies.
- Advanced surveillance tools that will be purchased for the Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis Police Departments to support the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes.
- Launched the Hate Crimes Prevention Multidisciplinary Advisory Team (MDAT) to serve in an advisory capacity to ensure the program will have a positive impact on the lives of victims of hate crime and hate bias incidents and on our community broadly.
"Our new communications initiative is a significant milestone in our ongoing equity work,” said Asha Smith, Director of the OEHR. “We want county residents to take action against hate. This campaign educates them on the difference between hate bias incidents and hate crimes, and encourages victims to report them to the authorities. Our residents can proudly stand together and say ‘No Hate Here.’”
The Hate Crimes Prevention Program team is asking community members to participate in its first annual Hate Crimes Community Survey. This survey will help gather information on how to better educate the public, and respond to hate bias incidents and hate crimes in Anne Arundel County. The office will use this feedback to enhance programming and address evolving community needs.
Grant funding also allows both the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the Annapolis Police Department to purchase advanced infrared surveillance cameras. These cameras will help the departments gather evidence to assist with investigation and prosecution, ultimately holding perpetrators of hate crimes accountable. The grant funding will cover the cost of a total of six cameras for the Anne Arundel County Police Department, and four cameras for the Annapolis Police Department. These cameras will be portable, allowing the agencies to move the locations of the cameras based on where they are most needed.
“The Anne Arundel County Police Department has an ethical responsibility to deliver public safety services that adapt with the changes of a dynamic society,” said Anne Arundel County Police Captain Chad McFarlane. “The Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Program represents a meaningful step forward by strengthening the Police Department’s ability to identify, address, and prevent hate crimes, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to protect all community members. This program enhances the agency’s goal of providing more proactive, community-focused policing rooted in trusted relationships.”
“We are proud to partner with the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program and Dr. Smith-Kea to make sure that all areas of the county are reached to combat hate crimes,” said Annapolis Police Chief Edward C. Jackson. “These types of crimes recognize no borders, and we must work together to support those affected by bias incidents and hate crimes.
As the last component of this portion of their work, the Hate Crimes Prevention Program has launched the Hate Crimes Prevention Multidisciplinary Advisory Team (MDAT), which consists of 21 organizations representing both Anne Arundel County and Annapolis. The MDAT guides program implementation by bringing together a diverse group of partners from various disciplines, all of whom bring unique expertise and perspectives. The MDAT will include six subcommittees that are open for community members to join. For more information on the MDAT, click here.
Dr. Nikki emphasized, “Having community voices included in the development and implementation of the County’s Hate Crime Program is vitally important for the integrity of our program.”
“I believe that true progress is forged at the intersection of courage, collaboration, and community,” added Gina Worthey, MDAT member representing the Anne Arundel County Commission for Women. “The work of the MDAT is a powerful extension of that belief—bringing together advocates, public servants, and community voices to confront hate with action and empathy.”
If you or anyone you know who has been a victim of or witness to a hate crime or hate bias incident, the County strongly encourages reporting it to the local police department immediately. For more information on what constitutes a hate bias incident or a hate crime, how to report incidents, and available support services for victims, visit the Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program website. Members of the public can also email nohatehere@aacounty.org with questions or concerns.