The panelists then shared their personal stories, emphasized the universality of hate induced violence and proposed different methods of stopping hate crimes.

Sherialyn Byrdsong, the widow of Ricky Byrdsong, echoed Shepard's criticism of society but said the only way to stop hate crimes from occurring was to "return to God."

"I strongly feel that the violent act that took my husband's life is another clarion call...wake up America, it's time to turn back to God," Sherialyn Byrdsong said.

"No matter how much you legislate or educate, if you neglect matters that deal with the heart and human spirit, problems will only escalate," she added.

Ismael Ileto, the brother of Jospeh Ileto, tried to convey the uniqueness of his brother's character and also called for the passage of hate crime legislation.

"Call your representatives to address this issue," he urged the crowd. "It's a lot simpler to do that than to someday stand behind this podium telling people how you miss a loved one."

During the question and answer period that followed the speakers, several audience members thanked the speakers for sharing their stories and quizzed them on a range of topics--from how to implement their offered solutions to how to teach the concept of diversity in schools.