When I was a kid, I thought the civil rights movement had passed me by. I knew there were still injustices, but when I read books about Dr. King, Cesar Chavez, and other leaders, I thought that I had missed the major fights for equality and justice.

I don't feel that way anymore.

If we've learned anything these past few years, it's that we can't take anything for granted. Our rights, our equality, and our future all seem uncertain.

But I'll tell you what else I've learned: When we stand together regardless of background, ethnicity, or gender, we can overcome incredible odds.

Mayor Eric Garcetti often says that we can either make the moment or we can miss the moment and I know the future will be decided by those who fight for it. For this reason, we work hard to ensure that we do not miss our chance to fight for equity, inclusion, and justice for all.

As we celebrate our freedom, let us not lose faith in our future. It is my honor to march forward with you.

Keep the faith and keep the fight,

- Capri Maddox

This week, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved our plan to establish Peace & Healing Centers across Los Angeles. For the $2 million program. the LA Civil Rights Department will partner with community-based organizations to create physical spaces focused on environmental, social and economic healing in historically marginalized communities.

People across Los Angeles are facing immense trauma and deep inequities. From rising hate to COVID-19 and its financial impacts, we know that the pain in our communities is very real - and this is the City's chance to do more to support healing and upward mobility.

We are so grateful to Mayor Eric Garcetti for creating this program in his Justice Budget, and to the City Council for approving it.

Today is the last day to apply to serve on an L.A. REPAIR Advisory Committee! If you live in Boyle Heights, Mission Hills - Panorama City - North Hills, or Southeast LA (South LA east of the 110 Fwy), apply now to help shape participatory budgeting in your neighborhood. Applications close at the end of today!

On July 13th at 11:00 AM, we are hosting a virtual info session for community-based organizations. Local community organizations are invited to join us to learn more about how they can participate in L.A. REPAIR, our paid Community Engagement Partnership opportunity, and more. Click here to RSVP.

We rounded out Pride month this weekend with an incredible celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in South LA.

The 4th Annual South LA Pride Community Picnic was co-presented by Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Councilmember Herb Wesson, and hosted by Councilmember Curren Price, Councilmember Mike Bonin, and South LA Pride Chair Jasmyne Cannick. The picnic brought together artists, food, local vendors, and lots of voguing.

Best of all, it had YOU - the community - celebrating love, pride, and the LGBTQ+ community. We loved meeting so many of you as we work to build an LA For All!