The Watts Historic Train Station was the center stage for the commencement of the Seventh Annual United Against Hate Week (UAHW) on Sept. 20.
In a vibrant setting at the “Unity Under the Sun” mural, LA vs Hate along with its partners CA vs Hate, Stop the Hate, and Not in Our Town, united to amplify their commitment to combating hate across Los Angeles.
UAHW, a week-long initiative spanning from Sept. 21 to 27, focuses on rallying community and governmental forces to counter the concerning rise in hate crimes and discrimination that plague diverse neighborhoods and cities. With hate crimes nearly doubling statewide from 1,015 in 2019 to 1,970 in 2023, and an alarming 63% increase in Los Angeles County alone during the same period, the call for unity and action is more pressing than ever.
The press conference shined a spotlight on the power of community and leadership in the fight against hate. Prominent speakers included Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón and Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who both emphasized the historical resilience of the Watts community against hate and the ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive society.
District Attorney Gascón shared his personal connection to Watts from his days with the LAPD and discussed the dual approach of his office in combating hate through aggressive prosecution and educational initiatives. “We recognize that education is critical to getting rid of this cancer that we call hate,” Gascón stated, underscoring the importance of both legal action and community engagement in these efforts.
Supervisor Mitchell brought attention to the daily commitment required to combat hate, not just during UAHW but throughout the year. She passionately expressed the collective responsibility to stand up against hate and the importance of inclusivity in policymaking.
“It feels sophomoric for me to say any form of hate is unacceptable in LA County. What’s important is for all of us to figure out how we show up every day,” Mitchell remarked, highlighting the everyday actions that contribute to larger societal change.
Capri Maddox, executive director of the Civil + Human Rights and Equity (LA Civil Rights) Department, underscored the comprehensive approach Los Angeles is taking to combat hate.
“Hate has no home in Los Angeles,” Maddox declared, emphasizing the city and county’s unified stand against discrimination. She praised the LA vs Hate initiative and the broader network of 211 resources, acknowledging their crucial role in making a tangible difference for Angelenos.
Maddox’s message was clear: the whole of government and the community must collaborate to ensure that every facet of public life is safeguarded against hate, reinforcing the ethos that if you target one of us, you face all of us. Her commitment reflects a powerful call to action for all residents to participate actively in fostering an inclusive community where diversity is not just accepted but celebrated.
The event also featured remarks from Robin Toma, executive director of the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations, who discussed the significance of the “Unity Under the Sun” mural as a symbol of resilience against division. Toma praised the collective efforts of various community partners and stressed the need for increased civic engagement, particularly through voting, to oppose hate and division.
The celebration of UAHW not only marks a significant moment of reflection and action but also serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the critical role of community participation in eradicating hate. With a host of planned activities including webinars, community dialogues, and art projects, UAHW is set to foster increased engagement and solidarity across neighborhoods, striving to create a more respectful and resilient community.
Residents of Los Angeles County are encouraged to participate in UAHW activities and to use the resources available for reporting hate incidents. By visiting LAvsHate.org or calling 2-1-1, community members can report hate crimes anonymously and access support services, contributing to a broader effort to track, address, and prevent hate in our communities.
For more information on United Against Hate Week and to view a list of events, visit the UAHW 2024 Event Calendar.
This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate program. The program is supported by partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/
