Dear LA Civil Rights Family,

As February draws to a close, I am humbled by the unwavering dedication of the LA Civil Rights Department, alongside our esteemed colleagues and community partners, throughout African American Heritage Month. Heritage months serve as poignant reminders to reflect on our history of struggle, to celebrate our pride, and to mark our progress.

Los Angeles saw a diverse array of innovative exhibits, dynamic discussion panels, and enriching educational events. I joined Councilmember Curren Price (CD9) and Board of Public Works Commissioner Mike Davis to talk about the significance of celebrating African American Heritage month in Los Angeles on Channel 35’s LA This Week. Particularly moving was the Skirball Cultural Center's special exhibit, "This Light Is Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement." The impactful images capturing pivotal moments from America's past were a significant reminder of how ordinary individuals can make a difference.

Another person who has significantly affected change in many lives, including mine is the living legend Al Jenkins who taught more than 3,000 African American attorneys how to pass the California State Bar exam. I was pleased to participate in the documentary film, Bar Daddy, which told the Al Jenkins story and was shown at the Pan African Film Festival.

And while we're on the topic of effecting change, a huge shoutout goes to the stakeholders and elected officials that contribute to our equity work through our $8.5 million participatory budgeting program. Voting for the future is important but making sure we document past harm is equally essential. Therefore, I am reminding our African Americans who live (or have lived) in the City of Los Angeles to complete the “Black Experience Survey” which ends this Thursday. It seeks insights from current and former Black Angelenos about their experiences and suggestions for addressing past harms. Keep reading the newsletter below for more information about that and other resources.

Keep the faith and keep the fight,

- Capri Maddox

Executive Director

LA Civil Rights Department

LA Reparations at Skirball Cultural Center

Last week, the LA Civil Rights Department and Skirball Cultural Center hosted a special in-person viewing of "This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement" before the exhibit closed. Featuring 150 photographs, nine photographers’ pivotal images recorded the collective action of young and local students who changed America during the civil rights movement.

As part of the event, the City of Los Angeles Reparations Advisory Commission also held an intimate conversation with community organizations on the City's current reparations movement and collective efforts to promote reparations and the "Black Experience Study" survey. Thank you to all those who joined and participated in this important dialogue.

The last day to take the "Black Experience Study" survey is this Thursday, February 29, 2024. Click below to take the "Black Experience Study" survey TODAY!

LA Civil Rights Holds

FAFSA & Student Loans Webinar

This week, the LA Civil Rights Department also hosted a "FAFSA and Student Loans" webinar with Daynette Steward from Stew's Access and Pathways and Celina Damian from California’s Department of Financial Protection & Innovation that focused on federal aid and student loans. Nearly 60 participants learned about the various options to pay for college and received tools to navigate the world of higher education financial aid. If you missed the webinar, click here to view the recording.

Thank you to Councilwoman Heather Hutt (CD10), speakers, and attendees for taking the time to attend this webinar. Our programs, such as LA Law Day and LA Medical Day, are a part of the Upward Mobility initiatives that help individuals move into the middle class and beyond.

Attention Attorneys: Join Our MCLE Night

Learn About New Resources to Combat Discriminatory Practices

For African American Heritage Month, join us for a special in-person presentation from Attorney George Fatheree, who won the historic case of Bruce's Beach, and we will discuss the City of Los Angeles' Civil and Human Rights Laws. We are proud to sponsor this event, along with Oro Impact, John M. Langston Bar Association, and Alternative Resolution Centers this Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at 515 S. Figueroa Street, Suite 340, Los Angeles, CA 90014. This event will provide 1-hour of bias elimination credit Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) through the Langston Bar Association.

Register for the MCLE event or click below.

Capri Maddox Featured in Documentary: Bar Daddy

Executive Director Maddox was honored to attend Pan African Film Festival to celebrate and support Mr. Al Jenkins, Esq. The new documentary Bar Daddy, which tells his story and also features Ms. Maddox, who is among more than 3,000 black law graduates who received the generosity of his tutelage. His, was the kind of selfless generosity that inspires us every day paying it forward in our upward mobility work throughout LA. Visit Bar Daddy (bardaddymovie.com) to watch the trailer and catch an upcoming screening near you.

Celebrating African American Heritage Month in the City of LA

LA Currents (Channel 35) Presents: African American Heritage Month 2024.

Watch the LA City Full Story interview with Executive Director Maddox, Councilmember Curren Price (CD9), and Board of Public Works Commissioner Mike Davis discussing the significance of African American Heritage Month, legacy leaders, and City celebration highlights.

LA Civil Rights celebrate Heritage Months throughout the year to promote a more inclusive Los Angeles and to let everyone know that we believe in an #LAForAll.