ADL Texoma (the Anti-Defamation League) is holding its powerful Walk Against Hate on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 8:30 a.m. at Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas. This family-oriented, community-wide event is a way to show solidarity against the growing incidents of antisemitism and all kinds of extremism and discrimination in our community, country, and across the world.
Q & A with ADL Texoma Regional Director Stacy Cushing
By Ann Zimmerman Gallant
Q. It seems as if the Walk Against Hate is more essential this year than ever. Your thoughts?
A. With reports of hate, extremism and antisemitism on the rise, it’s more important than ever for people of goodwill to take a stand against hate. The Walk Against Hate is a platform to express a collective commitment to ending hate and extremism across all communities in North Texas. Showing up to the Walk Against Hate means you are showing up to support communities most impacted by hate and extremism.
Q: How did the Walk Against Hate come about?
A: It started in Philly in 2011 as a way to unite the community against all forms of hate. This is our third year to do it in person in Dallas.
Q. What will the walk entail?
A. It is your choice of a one or two-mile walk around Klyde Warren Park and the surrounding neighborhood and is an opportunity for the community at large to show solidarity while having fun with family and friends.
Participants will hear from local leaders, including Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, Honorary Walk of Hate Chair Neil Goldberg, former board chair of ADL Texoma. and other notable guests as well as be entertained by local musicians, dancers and artists.
Q. I understand you have two ‘Heroes Against Hate’ awards recipients. Who are they and why were they chosen?
A. Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia was chosen as a Hero Against Hate for his commitment to making Dallas a safer, more unified city. Carter High School junior Akela Larzei is our Student Hero Against Hate for her involvement in ADL’s No Place for Hate program. Akela was part of the school group leading conversations about bias and discrimination and helped conduct activities to make her campus a more inclusive place.
Q. What do you tell people who might have safety concerns?
A. We have gone through the city for all approvals and are working closely with the Dallas Police Department to reroute traffic and provide security along the route.
Q. Who made the Walk Against Hate possible?
A. The Walk Against Hate would not be possible without our many generous supporters and our Community Partners Against Hate, which include: CHAI, City of Dallas, DFW Chinese Alliance, HERitage Giving Fund, Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, Latino Voter Empowerment/March to the Polls, the Thanks-Giving Foundation and Keshet.
Q. How can people sign up?
A. Registration Information is available at: https://www.walkagainsthate.org/dallas . Register today to spend an unforgettable day with family and friends, and support your community during the Walk Against Hate on October 29 at Klyde Warren Park.
Registration is now Open.
Please visit https://www.walkagainsthate.org/dallas
Please contact Tiffany Johnson at Tiffanyjohnson@adl.org with any questions or for sponsorship information.
ABOUT ADL:
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.
*During the COVID pandemic, the nonprofit held the Walk Against Hate virtually.