Today we celebrate Cesar Chavez Day, in honor of labor leader and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez.

Chavez was born into a Mexican-American family in Arizona, and began began working in the fields as a young teenager. Inspired by his faith and the teachings of nonviolent protest, Chavez became interested in labor organizing.

In 1962, Chavez and Dolores Huerta founded what would become the United Farm Workers (UFW). At that time, few believed that farm workers could take on the powerful and wealthy growers. But together with Filipino labor leader Larry Itliong, they led a years-long boycott and strike that transformed agriculture in California. New laws were passed, labor agreements were signed, and conditions for thousands of farmworkers were greatly improved.

Chavez and the farm workers built a legacy far beyond the fields of California. Their work inspired nonviolent protests, labor organizing, and solidarity movements across the world - and as we build LA's first civil rights department, we follow in the footsteps of heroes like Cesar Chavez.

Keep the faith and keep the fight,

- Capri Maddox

Last week, we welcomed the nation's second-largest school district into the #LAForAll campaign!

Los Angeles Unified Schools joined our campaign against hate with multi-lingual banners rolling out at 70 schools from the South Bay to the Valley (Pictured: Sepulveda Middle School in North Hills). We are thrilled to see our banners of inclusion and belonging up at Hawkins High, Farmdale Elementary, and so many others. We are especially grateful to LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, School Board President Kelly Gonez, and the entire team at LAUSD for making this partnership possible.

LA For All is a movement to stand up to hate with resources, inclusion and solidarity. Click here to get involved.

Trans or non-binary and looking for a new career? Join LA Civil Rights and our Transgender Advisory Council for the Trans and Non-Binary Job Fair this Thursday, March 31st. Were celebrating Trans Day of Visibility by not just with visibility, but with empowerment and opportunities for upward mobility.

Trans & non-binary workers are more than twice as likely to experience unemployment as the general population, and experience far higher rates of workplace discrimination. Every employer at our job fair has received a live Gender & Sexual Diversity Training to help them create more inclusive and affirming workplaces. We have employers from a range of industries, including hospitality, real estate, non-profits and more. Join us.

Our latest youth empowerment event is next week! LA Law Day will bring together local universities, legal experts, judges, lawyers, and inspiring speakers for an event empowering diverse students; demystifying the law school admissions process for students and families; increasing awareness about career paths in the legal field; and diversifying law school applicant pools.

We are thrilled to announce our co-sponsors, which include Councilmember Paul Krekorian, the LA County Bar Association, John M. Langston Bar Association, Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), Loyola Immigrant Justice Center, Legally Fit, LAUSD Student Empowerment Unit, UCLA School of Law, Pepperdine School of Law, AAPI Equality Alliance, and Bet Tzedek.

Meet leaders from all of these organizations and more on April 9th at 9:00 AM. All attendees will have a chance to speak with our panelists who are all incredible leaders in the legal community.