Demand Congress Pass the Anti-Black American Hate Crimes Prevention and Accountability Act

Black Americans deserve more than a general promise of protection.

We are calling on Congress to establish a dedicated federal framework for preventing, investigating, documenting, and responding to anti-Black hate crimes and racial violence.

According to FBI data, anti-Black or African American bias was the largest racial/ethnic hate-crime category reported in 2024, with 3,004 incidents recorded nationwide.

Federal law already recognizes hate crimes. But a general law does not eliminate the need for a comprehensive federal strategy specifically addressing the persistent targeting of Black Americans and institutions serving Black communities.

The Anti-Black American Hate Crimes Prevention and Accountability Act would strengthen the federal response through:

• Improved investigation and prosecution coordination

• National data collection and annual reporting on anti-Black hate crimes

• Security assistance for Black-serving community institutions

• Protection for HBCUs, cultural institutions, community organizations, cemeteries, and Black-serving religious organizations

• Victim and family assistance

• Federal law-enforcement training and technical assistance

• Greater attention to organized and coordinated anti-Black racial violence

• Constitutional safeguards protecting speech, religion, peaceful assembly, and political expression

This legislation would not criminalize thoughts, beliefs, speech, or religious opinions. Accountability would remain tied to conduct that constitutes a criminal offense.

This is about recognizing a documented national problem and giving the federal government the tools necessary to address it.

We are asking Congress to introduce, consider, and pass the Anti-Black American Hate Crimes Prevention and Accountability Act.

Black Americans deserve safety.

Black communities deserve protection.

Black victims deserve accountability.

Sign this petition and demand federal action.