In response to a disturbing 35% increase in hate incidents in Los Angeles County from 2022 to 2023, the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations (LACCHR) has launched a proactive campaign aimed at promoting unity and combating hate in specific neighborhoods identified as ‘hot spots’ for such activity.
The ‘Signs of Solidarity’ campaign is part of the commission’s LA vs Hate program, officially initiated in Westlake, a notable area experiencing increased hate activity.
Local artists and community input have played crucial roles in designing posters and yard signs that carry clear messages denouncing hate.
These signs will be distributed to residents and small businesses, encouraging them to display these solidarity messages prominently in their properties.
The initiative builds upon the success of LA vs Hate’s 2023 Summer of Solidarity art series, which featured five vibrant murals painted throughout the county.
These murals not only celebrate inclusion but also highlight the histories of various groups that have faced discrimination, fostering cross-cultural and interracial solidarity in the process.
According to Antonio Cowser, LACCHR’s public information officer, Westlake is a key focus area due to its designation as a ‘hot spot’ for hate incidents.
“We’re going to have a summer rollout that’ll be in [the San Fernando Valley],” Cowser stated, noting that the program will then be refined to target additional neighborhoods based on collected data.
This data comes from the commission’s inaugural annual Hate Incident Report, meticulously compiled to encompass all reported hate crimes and incidents from 2022 and 2023.
Cowser elaborated that a hate crime is defined as an action motivated by bias against a person, group, or property due to real or perceived characteristics.
In contrast, a hate incident refers to actions motivated by hate that do not reach the legal threshold of a crime.
The recent report highlighted alarming statistics.
Incidents reported in educational settings surged from 59 to 197, while acts motivated by white supremacist ideology increased from 33 to 74.
Notably, incidents associated with Middle East conflicts rose dramatically from two to 45.
A particularly troubling example occurred in July 2023 when two Middle Eastern girls, ages 13 and 10, were confronted by classmates in Studio City, who questioned their support for Israel and labeled them as ‘terrorists’ when they chose not to engage in the conversation.
As the LACCHR prepares for its next comprehensive hate activity report, which will be available in 2024, the need for community cohesion remains paramount.
Cowser highlighted the importance of empowerment in these challenging times, where divisive rhetoric has emerged more prominently, particularly from influential figures like former President Donald Trump, who has promoted anti-immigration sentiments.
“It’s important to give people a sense of empowerment so they don’t feel hopeless in this moment and to know that they have the support of their communities and local leaders,” Cowser emphasized.
Through initiatives like the ‘Signs of Solidarity’ campaign, the LACCHR aims to foster a culture of resilience and togetherness against the backdrop of rising hate incidents.
image source from：https://sanfernandosun.com/2025/04/23/la-vs-hate-launches-new-campaign-to-promote-unity-in-areas-targeted-by-hate/
