Event Overview
This two-day event is dedicated to building a safer, more inclusive community by uniting law enforcement, community leaders, and residents to proactively address hate and bias incidents.
As a core element of the county’s Hate Crimes Prevention Program, the conference aims to:
- Enhance Public Education: Train residents to effectively identify, document, and report hate crimes and bias incidents.
- Strengthen Collaboration: Build robust partnerships between public safety agencies and community organizations to improve investigation and prosecution.
- Promote Inclusivity: Advance the "The Best Place - For All" initiative by fostering a safer, more welcoming environment for all identities.
- Support Victims: Align County resources to better empower and serve those targeted by hate-based acts.
Agenda Overview (The "What")
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Day 1: Focus on Victims, Healing, and Justice
The first day of the event focuses on the human impact of hate-fueled violence by emphasizing storytelling, trauma-informed responses, and the legal pursuit of justice. Following opening remarks from county leadership, the program features a keynote session entitled "A Mother's Fight: Turning Tragedy into a Movement Against Hate." Additional sessions include a collaborative presentation between law enforcement and service providers on trauma-informed care, a discussion among faith leaders about fostering dialogue, and a case presentation from the State’s Attorney’s Office detailing the legal process from bias incident to conviction. The day concludes with a fireside chat and a screening of the documentary "Rich With Love."
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Day 2: Focus on Advocacy, Action, and Prevention
The second day of the event focuses on systemic solutions and the development of community-based models to combat hate and improve incident reporting. The program opens with a keynote session titled "No Home for Hate: Systemic Equity and the Path to a Safer Maryland," followed by a panel of survivors and family members sharing human stories of healing and resilience. Additional sessions include a fireside chat on the Emmett Till Alert System as a model for community safety and a presentation on leveraging Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management to prevent targeted violence. The day’s programming concludes with an in-depth look at breaking down the specific barriers that prevent individuals from reporting hate incidents.
Visiting Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
To begin planning your visit to Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, please review the Visitor Guide for information on Anne Arundel County. You may also enjoy the Civil Rights Guide to learn about African American heritage and culture in Anne Arundel County. Annapolis and Anne Arundel County have a diverse array of cuisine to offer, for delicious options view here. We hope you have time to explore the beauty of the region. For exploration options, you may view attractions and events happening during the time of your conference.
Special Offer for Registrants
As a thank-you for your commitment to our community, your conference registration entitles you to a discount at Historic London Town & Gardens, through February 28, 2026. Simply present this confirmation email to redeem your discount during hours of operations: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10:00am - 4:00pm.
For more information, visit our webpage Anne Arundel County Hate Crimes Prevention Program