United Against Hate Week Launches, Uniting Cultures and Sparking Action in LA
The event invited a range of voices, such as Robin Toma, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, who discussed the goals of programming of LA vs. Hate. Toma pointed out that community solidarity and action are exactly what is needed to counter hate, reminding that the majority of the community believes in diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Kathleen Untalan
OGNSC Staff
The vibrant, inclusive spirit of cultural unity found beautiful representation at a special celebration at the launch of United Against Hate Week, hosted in partnership with LA vs. Hate. A powerful cultural performance by the Chumash Cultural Collective set the whole evening in motion. Artists such as Diane “Kati Wayan” Doman and her sisters gently introduced such lyrical and spiritual heritage of the Samoan language into the audience’s ears, a kind of unity and harmony with the environment, through songs like “Moke Moke” and “Kukutiwumi.”
According to Doman, “Kukutiwumi” is a celebration song that reenacts the back-to-the-house journey of the Chumash people back to their native Limu, which they refer to as their original home, Santa Cruz Island. Within the backdrop of rhythmic chants and heart-to-heart testimonies of belonging, the performance by the Collective reminded everyone where their place was rooted in its history and significance.
The event invited a range of voices, such as Robin Toma, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, who discussed the goals of programming of LA vs. Hate. Toma pointed out that community solidarity and action are exactly what is needed to counter hate, reminding that the majority of the community believes in diversity, inclusion, and equity.
This was further underpinned by the words of LA County District Attorney George Gascón, who discussed prosecutorial efforts to fight hate crimes, and the move toward restorative justice to educate and reform those who perpetuate hate acts.
It was against this backdrop that community resilience proved to be sparked by a young person Frankie Aguirre as he participated in the event as he shares his personal story about dealing with years of harassment and coming out to inspire many through his decision to spread awareness for love over hate with the help of LA vs. Hate.
Kevin Kish, Director of California’s Civil Rights Department, updates on the statewide initiative California vs. Hate that integrates ideas from LA’s hate crimes effort and continues to encourage community involvement and activism.
It also honored a diverse range of allies, from people like LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s call for the daily practice of anti-racist behaviors, to Christopher Rivas, who shared reflections from his work on liberation and unity: to recognize their freedoms are interconnected.
“This week is about collective action against divisive narratives,” said Kiran Bala from AAPI Equity Alliance. “The Stop the Hate program puts its focus on long-term, community-based interventions that foster environments where hate cannot thrive.”
Closing note: Capri Maddox on behalf of the LA civil rights leadership continues asserting that hate has no place in Los Angeles as different members in the community asserted Los Angeles as a city for all.
The event ended on an upbeat note, challenging Angelenos and its attendees to act against hate while reminding everyone that collective positive change begins with the smallest acts. The assembly was a great celebration of cultural heritage as much as it also remained a strong call to action for unity and respect in all communities.
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 California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
