This is a week long event when Rainbow Alliance recognizes those whom have died from hate crimes in the past.
2008 Hate Crime Awareness Week Speaker
Judy Shepard
In 1998, Judy Shepard lost her son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Turning tragedy into a crusade for justice, and determined to prevent Matthew’s fate from befalling others, she established The Matthew Shepard Foundation to help carry on his legacy. Shepard has testified before the United States Senate in support of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
Shepard has appeared in two Human Rights Campaign advertisements urging an end to anti-gay violence and promoting a greater understanding of gay issues. Additionally, Shepard is actively involved with Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). In this capacity, she has written an open letter to schools across the country urging official to make schools safer for gay students by promoting tolerance.
