In a move to curb the tide of hate-fueled incidents in Los Angeles, the county’s anti-hate program LA vs Hate has teamed up with Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to usher in United Against Hate Week. The San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center played host to the event, where the notable mural "Sunset Luminaries" was revealed. Focusing on the core principles of peace, empathy, and inclusion, the mural stands as a visual testament to resilience in the face of hate, envisioned and brought to life by artist Carlos Rogel.
With the backdrop of increasing ICE raids and divisive political discourse, speakers at the launch made a call to solidarity and urged support for the immigrant and other marginalized communities that have borne the brasil of targeted bias and discrimination. According to a statement obtained by LA County’s official release, LA vs Hate’s Signs of Solidarity campaign extends beyond murals to distribute yard signs and posters as a bid to create a shared neighborhood identity rooted in inclusiveness.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath expressed her stance in no uncertain terms, “United Against Hate Week is more than a campaign—it's a call to action. At a time when fear and division threaten our most vulnerable communities, this mural and the solidarity it represents serve as declarations that hate has no home in Los Angeles County,” she said. The initiative, which runs from October 19-25, is now in its eighth year in LA and aligns with the efforts of the national anti-hate organization Not in Our Town, which originated the event in 2017.
Following a disturbing uptick in reported hate crimes, up 45% from 930 in 2022 to 1,350 in 2023, Robin Toma, LA County Commission on Human Relations Executive Director, spoke of the collective need to overwhelm hate with unity and action. The Commission's 2023 Hate Crime Report indicates this to be the highest incidence of hate crimes recorded since data gathering started in 1980. Emphasizing the community's collective power, Toma reminded attendees of the mural's role as "a visible symbol of hope and solidarity, especially for communities facing heightened fear and targeted discrimination."
Fulfilling an active civic duty against the tides of hate, discrimination, and bias, United Against Hate Week encourages participants across the state to engage in events including webinars, screenings, and art projects. For those interested in finding local events or reporting hate crimes, LA vs Hate urges residents to visit their website or call the provided hotline. For more information on the annual week or to see a list of planned events and murals, they recommend visiting the 2025 UAHW Calendar and the LA vs Hate website.
