21st Century Green-Book Project Launches “We the People Initiative” to Combat Bias Crimes at the Local Level

June 19, 2025

The 21st Century Green-Book Project (21stgb.org) proudly announces the We the People Initiative, a movement focused on empowering individuals and local communities to address bias crimes where they live.

The Power of One, the Strength of Many

History teaches us that lasting change starts with one person taking a stand—but it grows when communities unite behind that action. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, but it was the collective strength of neighbors, faith leaders, and organizers that transformed her act into the Montgomery Bus Boycott, igniting a nationwide civil rights movement.

Bias crimes affect commerce, safety, and trust within communities. Each year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collects national bias crime data, revealing alarming trends:

• 2023: the FBI report noted that Anti-Jewish bias accounted for the largest proportion of religion-based hate crimes, with 1,832 incidents reported. This represents a 63% surge from 2022 and marks the highest number ever recorded by the FBI since data collection began in 1991. Total number of bias incidents ever reported beating 2022’s record number of incidents.

•  2022: there were 11,634 reported hate crime incidents, at that time, marking the highest number since the FBI began tracking such data in 1991. These incidents involved 13,337 related offenses and were motivated by bias based on race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity

• Crimes against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Sikhs, and bisexual individuals more than doubled in 2022.

• Hate crimes targeting Black, White, and LGBTQ communities comprised nearly half of all incidents

• An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 bias crimes annually go unreported, leaving victims without justice and communities unaware of the true scope of the problem.

Bias crimes thrive in silence—when victims do not report them and communities fail to recognize their impact. Yet, every person holds the power to disrupt that silence through conversation, awareness, and advocacy.

From Conversations to Collective Action

The We the People Initiative starts with conversations at dinner tables, coffee shops, community centers, and faith gatherings—because the most meaningful change happens locally, in places where trust is built and people feel safe to speak.

Our initiative is founded on the belief that we cannot wait to be saved—we must take responsibility for restoring the Golden Rule through micro-engagements that shift daily interactions. By fostering justice, empathy, and inclusivity, individuals can turn small acts into larger movements, reshaping how communities address bias crimes.

Partners and Call to Action

The 21st Century Green-Book Project, in partnership with:

"The Philonise and Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, proudly supports the We the People Initiative by The 21st Century Green-Book Project. This movement powerfully reminds us that everyday conversations and courageous acts—no matter how small—can become catalysts for real, lasting change. As bias crimes continue to rise, it is imperative that we speak out, stand up, and take collective responsibility to protect and uplift one another. From kitchen tables to community halls, each of us holds the power to foster justice and compassion. we stand with this initiative to amplify awareness, encourage reporting, and ensure that silence never shields hate. Together, we can dismantle bias—one voice at a time." —Philonise and Keeta Floyd, Brother, and Sister-in-Law of George Floyd, June 20, 2025

“The Houston Area Urban League proudly supports the We the People Initiative because bias crimes are an attack on the dignity and safety of entire communities. We must all take responsibility for challenging hate wherever it shows up—on our streets, in our schools, and in our daily lives. True justice begins when we choose to speak up.”— Judson W. Robinson III, President & CEO, Houston Area Urban League, June 19, 2025

“Bias based crimes are crimes against humanity. It would be inhumane to ignore actions that endanger others without reporting them. We support the efforts of the 21st Century Green-Book Project. Eyes of justice and love are watching and will defend all victims with collective passion!” —  Bishop James Dixon, Houston NAACP, June 19, 2025

“The Asian American Leadership Coalition stands firmly with the ‘We the People Initiative’ to confront the rise in anti-Asian hate, which has taken the form of both violent attacks and discriminatory practices that target our communities. These acts threaten our rights, safety, and trust in the places we call home. We believe true justice begins when everyday people stand up, speak out, and take action against both personal and institutional bias.”— Ling Luo, Chairwoman, Asian American Leadership Coalition, June 19, 2025

The 21st Century Green-Book Project…invites individuals and organizations across the country to join the We the People Initiative.

Every person holds the power to drive change. Every conversation, every act of solidarity, every challenge to discrimination—these are the steps that close the door on bias crimes for good.

We ask communities to reflect on John F. Kennedy’s call to service, asking not what their country can do for them, but what they can do to strengthen their neighborhoods, workplaces, and places of worship.

True justice is built one relationship, one courageous act, and one local effort at a time.

For more information, visit 21stgb.org.

CHC: Creating Healthier Communities serves as the fiscal sponsor for the 21st Century Green-Book Project, providing financial management support.