Los Angeles Launches Eighth Annual United Against Hate Week Amid Record Hate Crimes

Los Angeles County launched its eighth annual United Against Hate Week with the unveiling of a mural titled "Sunset Luminaries" at the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center in Van Nuys. Created by artist Carlos Rogel, the mural embodies themes of peace, empathy, and inclusion, aligning with the anti-hate program LA vs Hate's Signs of Solidarity campaign, which also distributes yard signs and posters to foster community unity against hate. County officials, including Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla, emphasized the mural as a call to action amid rising hate crimes, which increased by 45% from 2022 to 2023, marking the highest rate since 1980. The initiative encourages those experiencing hate or discrimination to seek confidential support and report incidents via LAvHate.org or by calling 211. United Against Hate Week, originally a 2017 Bay Area campaign against white supremacist rallies, now involves nationwide events to combat hate through community engagement, arts, and dialogue. Speakers highlighted solidarity with immigrant, LGBTQ+, and other vulnerable communities targeted by increased hate and politically divisive rhetoric, reinforcing that hate has no home in Los Angeles County.