Big Apple Academy held an event Friday in partnership with the Be Proud Foundation and the NYPD centered around unity no matter where you're from.

Police shared their stories, like Officer Olena Zubyk whose family just escaped Ukraine. Her story resonated with many of the kids.

"All of the hate that keeps happening, I want it to stop," said Zubyk.

The school's principal echoed that message and said the goal is to teach the kids to come together as one regardless of their different backgrounds.

One of the students asked how they can help prevent hate crimes. The officers explained they can help prevent crimes by speaking up when a friend or classmate does something that seems wrong.

Council Member Ari Kagan says his district has seen their fair share of hate crimes. He was glad to see how engaged the kids were at today's event.

He says one way to curb the hate is to have events like this for conversations with young people in schools.