By OW Staff
Recent antisemitic comments, demonstrations and fliers distributed in some portions of Los Angeles County have spurred action by Supervisor Kathryn Barger in partnership with the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations’ LA vs Hate initiative.
The county-wide anti-hate program is especially poignant following the anti-Black and anti-LGBTQ comments emanating from the Los Angeles City Council. Now, the program’s free resources and use of art to strengthen safety, inclusion, and healing is even more important.
“Now is the time for our communities to be unified to counter prejudice and discrimination,” said Barger, whose 5th Supervisorial District includes the Antelope Valley.
“The dangerous rhetoric targeting the Jewish community, which comes on the heels of an increase in crimes against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, is a reminder to us all that hate exists in our own backyards,” she added. “One of the best ways to combat hate is to show solidarity with those being attacked.”
Barger said she will soon unveil a collaged fabric tapestry entitled “Solidarity,” created by artist Diane Williams, at the Lancaster Library on Nov. 18, at 11 a.m., during LA vs. Hate’s “United Against Hate Week.”
“This Solidarity tapestry is a symbol of reflection, unity, and hope – all essential to stop hate,” Barger said. “I want to remind my constituents that the County offers free educational tools, bystander training, and the option to call 2-1-1 as a way to confidentially report hate crimes. Stopping hate means empowering everyone to do their part.”
In 2019, Los Angeles County initiated LA vs. Hate, a project to address the increase in hate violence and bias-motivated bullying by providing an easy way to report and get help.
“In response to the horrific hate acts this week targeting the Jewish community, the LA vs. Hate program will unveil this fabric tapestry in the shape of Los Angeles County called ‘Solidarity’ as part of the effort to build awareness of the hate directed towards Jews this past week, as well as other vulnerable communities’ experience in Los Angeles County,” said Robin Toma, executive director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations.
This article is a part of a series of articles for Our Weekly’s #StopTheHate campaign and is supported in whole or part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. #NoPlaceForHateCA,
#StopAAPIHate, #CaliforniaForAll
