In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, LA vs Hate, the LA County's program against hate, unveiled a new mural – "Come Walk with Me," designed by Kiara Aileen Machado, to celebrate the Latiné community. Sited in the context of the Summer of Solidarity series, the mural displays the cultural diversity of Los Angeles through public art installations according to a recent press release.
To report against hate and providing support to victims of such acts, the LA County Commission on Human Relations inaugurated LA vs Hate in 2020. The vibrant mural, developed in partnership with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the offices of LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, and El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona, is the result of various community workshops promoting discussions on identity diversity.
With a spike in hate crimes in California, the unveiling of this mural comes at a significant time. The California Department of Justice reported that known hate crime incidents increased by more than 20 percent between 2021 and 2022, shooting from 1,763 to 2,120. Art can be a unifying force in fostering solidarity among diverse communities and this is precisely the sentiment LA vs Hate aims to leverage through this mural and associated activities.
Several prominent figures addressed the crowd during the dedication ceremony, including LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations Robin Toma, El Monte City Mayor Jessica Ancona, and CHIRLA Director of Community Education and Outreach Miriam Mesa. Attendees also heard from a mother, Melinda Polanco, who experienced support from LA vs Hate when her disabled child faced discrimination as documented in the press release.
"Public art pieces like this mural remind the community that our shared humanity unites us, despite the rising hate," said Robin Toma, emphasizing the importance of CONGRATULATING communities affected by hate and discrimination, as mnetioned by LA County Commission on Human Relations.
Hilda L. Solis, LA County Supervisor praised the El Monte community for honoring a work of art reflecting their diversity and strength. Along the same lines, Miriam Mesa of CHIRLA and Mayor Jessica Ancona showed appreciation for the mural, highlighting the role of art and creative expression in promoting tolerance and respect amidst hate.
"Come Walk with Me" is one of the several murals under LA vs Hate: Summer of Solidarity, aimed at commemorating the county's diverse cultures and communities and growing unity to stand against discrimination. Several other murals celebrating the Black, Native, and Indigenous communities are slated for unveiling in the coming weeks according to the press release.
