As one of the world’s largest melting pots, Los Angeles is home to many vibrant and diverse communities of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Their heritage, culture and contributions flow through the veins of the city, and have shaped our region in countless and indelible ways. In an effort to celebrate our diversity as well as to stand up against anti-Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate crimes, Councilmember Ridley-Thomas recently joined City partners and community members to launch the#LAForALL campaign.
The LA for ALL campaign was born from a motion co-authored by Councilmembers Ridley-Thomas, Nithya Raman, and John Lee to create a public messaging campaign to combat anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander hate speech. The campaign, designed by local AAPI artists, engages the intersection of art, advocacy, and community to oppose hate crimes and provide information to report hate incidents.
“Hate has no place in Los Angeles. Simply put, words have power -- power to inspire and uplift -- but they also have the power to incite. Sadly, we have seen rhetoric be weaponized to do just that to the peril of our Asian Americans and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters this past year,” said Councilmember Ridley-Thomas. “Racism doesn’t stop at the doorsteps of individual communities. It impacts all of us. The work of creating a truly anti-racist Los Angeles must be marked by interracial solidarity because only together will we root out racism.”
The campaign was led by the LA Department of Civil + Human Rights, as well as the Departments of Cultural Affairs andPublic Works, and includes artwork and designs from six local Asian American and Pacific Islander artists. The campaign comes after a continued rise in reported hate crimes in Los Angeles - an alarming 114% increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans were reported to the LAPD in 2020. Overall, hate crimes are up 55% in Los Angeles since 2016 according to LAPD data, and have reached new highs targeting African Americans, Latinos, and the Jewish and LGBTQ communities, among others.
"LA for All reaffirms what Los Angeles is and can be at our best: a place where everybody belongs and where no one should face discrimination, bigotry, or violence because of who they are, what they look like, who they love, or what they believe," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Our campaign brings our city's creative spirit, our commitment to human and civil rights, and our rejection of intolerance together under a single banner -- and makes sure Angelenos can find resources and support in the face of prejudice and hate."
“The LA for All campaign launch during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is especially significant following a year of unprecedented attacks and violence against the AAPI community,” said Councilmember John Lee, who represents the Twelfth District and is one of the co-chairs of the City’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Committee. “But this campaign is not just about fighting hate of every kind; it is also about uniting to fight for diversity, inclusion, justice, and respect; and to celebrate the rich diversity that makes Los Angeles a truly global city. I’m proud to support this campaign that reminds everyone we all belong.”
“In the course of the past year, Los Angeles’ reputation as a place that welcomes all has faltered with a staggering rise in hate crimes targeting many of the communities that call this city home,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “As we come out of a year of loss and isolation, many are focused on rebuilding our economy — but we also need to prioritize rebuilding our communities. The LA for All campaign uplifts the vast and vibrant cultures that define the tapestry of our city, and equips Angelenos with tools to stand up against hate, empowering us all to rise to our full potential as a united, inclusive Los Angeles.”
"As our official observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month during the month of May has come to a close, it is imperative that we continue to invest in meaningful, ongoing efforts to support and celebrate the AAPI community. As we work to build an inclusive, anti-racist Los Angeles, it must start with proclaiming that LA is for all and speaking up emphatically and unequivocally against all forms of hate and violence. I stand in solidarity with the AAPI community today, and every day," said Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas.
If you see something, say something. To report a hate crime or incident, call 1-877-ASK-LAPD, or reach a crisis care coordinator by calling 2-1-1, 3-1-1 or visiting www.lavshate.org/report. Reports can be made anonymously.