It’s hard to believe that, in this day and age – when there is an African-American President of the United States – that race-motivated crimes are still a reality of daily life. Unfortunately, they are. And the election of that president may actually be driving an increase in such crimes. Change seems to have spurred attacks on other groups, as well. As the gay rights movement has gained momentum, so too has violent attacks on homosexuals.

According to an FBI report, the number of attacks on African Americans has increased 8 percent. Race-motivated crimes against African Americans account for seven of every 10 such crimes. Critics believe the increase is partly motivated by backlash against those who look to either blame someone for the hard economic times and for the election of President Barack Obama, which many resent. Though the President has worked to unite this country, his election may have caused more divisions in certain sectors. Despite the legions of people around the world who support the President and his policies, there are many who believe that an African-American  man is not qualified to hold such a powerful position.

Similarly, there are many who, for a variety of reasons, do not support gay rights or even gay people. As the gay rights movement has grown and garnered national attention, attacks against gays have increased by three percent. This trend can be attributed to the growing debate over equal rights and justice for gays. Gay men and women are asking for basic rights: respect and safety in the workplace, the ability to marry or have their unions recognized legally, things that so many of us take for granted. Yet, there are those among us, who would stop at nothing to ensure these rights are never obtained.

True justice for all is still a bit out of this country’s reach. African Americans have experienced discrimination and oppression for centuries and, no matter how much we overcome and ascend, there are those who consider us beneath them. Gays have suffered in silence for years and only in recent history have they organized to achieve the rights they are entitled to. Even if you, for whatever reasons, do not support the gay lifestyle or gay rights movement, there is no reason to resort to violence.

We must all work to sure state and federal legislators and law enforcement pay special attention to increases in hate crimes and that they provide significant resources to prevent, police and prosecute such offenses. In the midst of social progress, there will be always those who wish to maintain the status quo. We cannot let these few detract us from our ultimate goal: equality and justice.

(Judge Greg Mathis is national vice president of Rainbow PUSH and a national board member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.)