“Let us reject racism, reject hatred, reject retaliation” – Ron Bernal

August 20, 2026

Recent events involving racist and hateful statements by one of our residents toward his neighbors have brought attention to conduct that is deeply troubling and inconsistent with the values we should expect from one another in Antioch. (See related article)

There is no place in our community for racism, hatred, or language intended to demean someone because of who they are. When a member of our community is subjected to racist and hateful remarks, we should be unequivocal in saying that such behavior is unacceptable.

We must also recognize that responding to wrongdoing with violence does not move us toward justice, understanding, or healing. Acts intended to intimidate, threaten, or harm others only deepen division and create new wounds.

Antioch is one of the most diverse communities in the Bay Area. We come from different cultures, faiths, backgrounds, experiences, and walks of life. Those differences are not something we should merely tolerate but rather embrace. They are part of what makes our city unique and desirable.

Moments like this test who we are as a community. They ask us to decide whether anger will drive us further apart or whether we will choose the more difficult and meaningful work of standing against hate while refusing to perpetuate it ourselves.

As Mayor, I am calling on our community to choose the latter.

We can condemn racism without hesitation. We can hold one another accountable without resorting to violence. We can disagree without dehumanizing one another. And when something happens that causes pain or division in our community, we can respond in a way that reflects the Antioch we are working together to build. I invite you to Genesis Family Life Center (525 E. 18th Street) this Sunday, August 23rd at 5:30 pm for an open forum discussion addressing human rights, racial equality and solidarity.

Our city is stronger when every resident knows they belong here and can live with dignity and respect. That requires more than words from anyone elected official. It requires all of us.

Let this moment remind us that our differences do not have to divide us. Let us reject racism, reject hatred, reject retaliation, and continue the work of building an Antioch where respect, accountability, and our shared humanity are stronger than the forces that seek to pull us apart.

Ron Bernal

Mayor

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Mayor Bernal vs racist hateful statements

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 20th, 2026 at 6:43 pm and is filed under City Council, Community, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.