Hollywood-backed Unity Coalition Will Support LA vs Hate’s Outreach and Events, Including Statewide Campaign United Against Hate Week in September 2024
LA vs Hate Invites Public Figures, Artists and Social Advocates to Join Campaign to Combat Hate and Promote Unity
Los Angeles – July 25, 2024 – LA vs Hate, the county’s anti-hate system, announced the LA vs Hate Unity Coalition, a new collaborative effort comprised of public figures from the arts, sports and entertainment industries who are dedicated to combating hate and promoting unity. Joining the Unity Coalition as it launches are Alyssa Milano, Paul George, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Rendon, Nathan Davis Jr. and KC Porter, with many more to come. Launched by the LA County Commission on Human Relations in 2019, LA vs Hate is a community-centered program designed to mobilize all residents of Los Angeles County to unite against and report hate, as well as to support those who have been victims of hate-motivated acts.
The members of the LA vs Hate Unity Coalition span diverse backgrounds, all passionately dedicated to acting as spokespeople, collaborators, and advocates in LA vs Hate’s mission to end hate, and cultivate inclusive, diverse and just communities. The LA vs Hate Unity Coalition will support LA vs Hate by helping spread a message of unity against hate, and awareness of the anti-hate resources offered to all residents, including during United Against Hate Week, the annual statewide call for local civic action to put a stop to the spread of hate and discrimination, which remains a threat to our school campuses, neighborhoods, towns, and cities. United Against Hate Week will take place from September 21 through September 28, 2024.
Reported hate crimes in Los Angeles County grew 18% from 790 to 929 in 2022, the second largest number in more than 20 years, according to the most comprehensive report on hate crimes in LA County. For the past 8 years, hate crimes have been trending upward and since 2013 there has been a 143% increase. This underscores the critical importance of LA vs Hate and the county’s collective efforts to address the rise of hate county-wide and beyond. The program just announced that its reporting hotline has received 2,300 reports of hate acts since launching in 2019, with the vast majority (nearly 90%) of individuals who reported a hate incident to 211LA sought follow-up to get needed free services offered by LA vs Hate, 211-LA and its many community partners.
“We are launching the LA vs Hate Unity Coalition because we believe that public figures can play a powerful role in creating positive change and spreading awareness of the resources LA vs Hate has to offer all residents,” said Robin Toma, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations. “This coalition provides a unique space for individuals from diverse backgrounds to lend their unique lived experiences as experiences, as well as their power and privilege, to support the unity of all our communities against hate, hostility, and systemic discrimination. Together, we can make a significant difference in standing up to prejudice, bigotry and inequity, and fulfilling our vision of a shared sense of belonging.”
“I’m joining the LA vs Hate Unity Coalition because the rates of hate are rising to dangerous levels and I want to inspire positive change in LA where I and my family call home,” said Alyssa Milano. “I’m honored to stand against hate today, join LA vs Hate in their efforts to stymie the spread of hate and to use my influence to help create a more inclusive and kinder community for all to live in peace.”
“I am joining LA vs Hate’s Unity Coalition because as a Los Angeles resident and community advocate, I want to do my part to push back against the rise of hate,” said Paul George. “I look forward to working with this coalition to support communities who have been targeted for hate and to spread positive messages of solidarity and unity. No matter who you are and where you come from, you should feel safe and welcome in Los Angeles.”
“I’m joining the LA vs Hate Unity Coalition because why on earth would anyone not,” added Tig Notaro.
“I’ve excited to join LA vs Hate’s Unity Coalition because I want to fight back against discrimination, bigotry and hate that I know is on the rise in LA, said Nathan Davis Jr. “I love my hometown for its incredible diversity that is reflected in the artistic expressions of me and so many other artists – and I’m going to do my part to stand up and protect it. Hate has no place in LA.”
“I am so glad to join the LA vs Hate Unity Coalition because now more than ever the world needs more love,” added Chelsea Rendon. “I want to inspire positive change especially in LA where I was born and raised. I’m honored to stand against hate today, join LA vs Hate in their efforts to stymie the spread of hate and to use my influence to help create a more inclusive and kinder community for all to live in peace.”
The LA vs Hate program includes a free, confidential and anonymous hotline for victims and witnesses to report any hate incident or hate crime via online reporting to LavsHate.org or by calling 2-1-1 in LA County, in turn receiving free follow-up services and supportive resources. Since its launch in September 2019, LA vs Hate has received more than 2,700 reports of hate, over 800 during the last year alone. Approximately 88% of those callers have requested personal assistance though case management, demonstrating the critical need for hate victim support. LA vs Hate is an important public-private partnership that is an alternative for hate victims who would not call the police for a variety of reasons, as surveys have shown, and is demonstrated by the number of hate crimes that have been reported to LAvsHate.org/211LA.
For more information and to report acts of hate and discrimination, visit LAvsHate.org.
