Hello Nicole,

One of the greatest things about my job is meeting change agents, poverty disruptors, and community advocates all across our city.

The Los Angeles I know isn't about movie stars and palm trees, but passionate and hard-working people dedicated to making this city a better place to live. This past week, we met the dedicated staff at Para Los Niños, engaged with neighbors in the city's first participatory budgeting vote, and welcomed hundreds of Angelenos to a Reparations Advisory Commission event.

These Angelenos don't try to ignore our history or sugar-coat our challenges - we meet them head on with courage, compassion, and community.

I am motivated and inspired by the people of our city who continue to engage with our growing department. Just like the sun returning to the Southland, we are rays of light building a brighter LA.

Keep the faith and keep the fight,

- Capri Maddox

Executive Director

Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department

Last chance to vote!

The L.A. REPAIR Participatory Budgeting vote closes April 30th for the Southeast LA, Boyle Heights, and Mission Hills-Panorama City-North Hills REPAIR Zones. Decide how city dollars are spent in your neighborhood by voting here!

L.A. REPAIR Participatory Budgeting gives real people real power over real money - and it will be rolling out soon in the next six REPAIR Zones: Arleta-Pacoima, Leimert Park-West Adams-Baldwin Village, Skid Row, South LA, Westlake, and Wilmington + Harbor Gateway. Applications are now open to become an Advisory Committee (AC) member or Community Engagement Partner (CEP) in any of these Zones!

AC and CEP members drive the participatory budget process, represent the interests of their community, and work closely in outreach and community engagement opportunities. Click here to learn more.

First In-Person Reparations Commission Event

On Saturday, over 375 people joined the Reparations Advisory Commission in-person (and many more on livestream) for its largest reparations community event. Commissioners gathered at the California African American Museum (CAAM) to hear ideas from the public, answer questions, and share the plans for reparations in the City of Los Angeles. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our reparations effort for LA. Thank you as well to Councilman Curren D. Price and Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez for joining us, and Councilmembers Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Heather Hutt and Tim McOsker for your support.

The Reparations Advisory Commission is a seven-member body created by city leaders to conduct research and develop a reparations program for Black Angelenos. These leading voices in law, academia, and activism are working hard to develop a meaningful program with the community's input.

Peace & Healing Center Opens at Para Los Niños

We joined Councilmember Curren Price for the opening of our latest Peace & Healing Center - this one at Para Los Niños (PLN) in South LA!

At this event, we met many passionate movers and shakers that bring hope and healing to families of South LA. At Para Los Niños, their Peace & Healing Center will provide services for children and families, including addressing food and housing insecurity, access to mental health resources, quality health care, and education.

Thank you to Councilman Price, Para Los Niños CEO Drew Furedi, Vice President of Student & Community Services, Sam Joo, and Family Services Director, Jimmy Urizar. With this partnership, we can transform the hearts, mind, and soul of Los Angeles.

Capri Maddox Honored by SCLC of Southern California

LA Civil Rights Executive Director Capri Maddox, was honored with the Diane Nash Award at the Labor & Community Luncheon hosted by Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California for her leadership in fighting discrimination and building an inclusive and just Los Angeles. Capri was joined by special guest speaker Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, the Black Worker Center, and many others.

Thank you to Pastor William D. Smart Jr., Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Areva Martin, the Black Workers Center, Cal State LA and many others for being a part of this special day.