Documentary film screening on hate crime, panel discussion set for Jan. 15 in Elgin

The 2015 short documentary "Not In Our Town: A Prosecutor's Stand" will be shown from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin.

San Francisco Assistant District Attorney Victor Hwang brings hate crime charges against perpetrators who brutally attack a Mayan dishwasher, an African-American homeless man, and a transgender woman.

As prosecutors investigate the cases, the district attorney's office and local law enforcement uncover a skinhead network operating in the city.

While hate crime charges are hard to prove, Hwang raises awareness about the importance of reporting and prosecuting hate, and works with the community to seek justice for the victims.

A panel discussion, moderated by Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley, will follow the 21-minute film.

This program is presented in cooperation with Elgin Police Department, Elgin Community College MAGIC, Elgin Human Relations Commission, Gail Borden Public Library, Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders & Elgin City of Peace.

Refreshments will be provided.

The film was produced in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office as part of the Not In Our Town: Working Together for Safe, Inclusive Communities Initiative.

Not In Our Town is a movement to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities for all. Not In Our Town documentaries, new media, and organizing tools help local leaders build vibrant diverse cities and towns, where everyone can participate. Learn how you can take action at www.niot.org.

Launched by The Working Group in 1995, "Not In Our Town" began with a PBS documentary that told the story of how people in Billings, Montana joined together to respond to a series of hate crimes in their town. This simple, powerful story of citizens banding together struck a chord with audiences, and created a model that inspired viewers around the country to hold their own campaigns against intolerance. "Not In Our Town" has grown from a PBS documentary into a national effort to connect people working together to take action against hate and create safe, inclusive communities.