Over the past few years, the Jewish community in the United States (only 2.4% of the population) has experienced a significant rise in threats, crimes, and other hate-motivated acts. In 2019, the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Annual Audit on Hate Crimes in the US documented 2,107 antisemitic attacks—a 12 percent increase over the prior year and the highest number on record since the ADL began tracking in 1979. Close to home, there have been incidents at a preschool in Noe Valley, at Manny’s in the Mission District, at Lowell High School, at San Francisco State, and other colleges and universities throughout California.
At First Graduate, we reject hate and prejudice rooted in identities—including race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion. Our work in helping students become first-generation college graduates is building toward a more inclusive and accepting world for all. Together, we can and must do better.
Terri Forman.
Empowering the Next Generation: The Inspiring Journey of Alena Byers from College to Community Leadership
The journey from being the first in one’s family to attend college to becoming a beacon of hope and leadership in the community is challenging and rewarding.