Hello Nicole,

For 247 years, America has been celebrating its independence with the stated principles of providing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to all citizens.

Every year, Americans commemorate with parties, parades, and barbecues in backyards across the country. Most of all, people gather together on Independence Day to celebrate what makes us American - a nation founded on the ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy.

Our nation does not always live up to its values, but with each generation, we move closer to our motto: "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of many, one).

This guiding principle is reflected in LA For All, a citywide initiative that builds strength through solidarity. Wherever we go and whatever we do, our mission is clear: maintain and strengthen the city's diversity, equity, and accountability. Our team is focused on YOU through Outreach and Engagement, Commission Support, Discrimination Enforcement, and Equity and Empowerment. These pillars of our work make Los Angeles a place for everyone.

Happy 4th of July from all of us at LA Civil Rights!

Keep the faith and keep the fight,

- Capri Maddox

Executive Director

Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department

We Are Not Backing Down

Recent Supreme Court decisions have called into question our nation’s commitment to racial justice, equity, and civil rights. At LA Civil Rights, we remain undeterred in our mission to address inequity, discrimination, and a legacy of institutional racism.

Regardless of the Court’s current opinion on affirmative action, research through our REPAIR program shows clearly how race has shaped our history, and kept Black and Brown communities from pursuing economic advancement. Today, college enrollment rates still do not reflect our diverse communities, yet African Americans have the highest student loan debt burden in the nation. Through our Office of Racial Equity, Commissions, and Upward Mobility Programming, we will continue to reckon with this legacy and build more pathways for upward mobility and financial empowerment.

Our Discrimination Enforcement Division will continue to investigate private sector discrimination targeting the LGBTQ+ community. The court’s majority ruling in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis focuses only on ‘expressive’ businesses. It does not give businesses, landlords, or employers broad rights to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

No matter who tries to take us back, LA Civil Rights is doubling down on fighting discrimination and injustice. Together, we will build an LA For All.

Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month: a time to celebrate the people, organizations and movements that brought justice and inclusion to disabled communities. We also celebrate the passing of the American Disabilities Act, a 1990 law created to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Did you know that one in four U.S. adults – 61 million Americans – have a disability that impacts major life activities?

During this month, we will be honoring moments in history, celebrating achievements, and highlighting people and organizations who have been impactful in the world of disabilities and have strived towards equity for people with disabilities in Los Angeles.

Follow along on social media @lacivilrights and celebrate #DisabilityPrideLA with us.