Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  

Dear LA Civil Rights Family,


As we celebrate International Civility Awareness Month, you may ask what "civility" means. The root of the word civility is 'civil.' In simple terms, being civil means being courteous and polite. It is also about recognizing our common humanity rather than focusing on differences and acting accordingly. After the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in hate, and a decline in everyday civil behaviors, like greeting one another, holding doors open, and showing general respect.


This month, and every month, the LA Civil Rights Department takes the lead in fostering civility, which begins with embracing the fundamentals of human kindness. We can transform LA by treating each person we meet with compassion, respect, and decency. While the LA Civil Rights Department acknowledges and celebrates our diversity, we also recognize and emphasize our shared humanity, a bond that unites us all: we are all human and deserve to live in a secure, inclusive, and equitable Los Angeles.  


Keep the faith and keep the fight!



Capri Maddox, Esq.

Executive Director

LA Civil Rights Department

Honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), is an annual occasion to honor and never forget the millions who were lost, while also keeping an eye towards a future free of hate and dehumanization. The Jewish philosophy "Tikkun Olam" means to repair the world and aspire to a higher calling in humanity and service.


In honor of Holocaust Remembrance and Jewish American History Month, LA Civil Rights Executive Director Capri Maddox provided remarks and Councilmember Bob Blumenfield (CD 3), Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky (CD 5), and Councilmember Traci Park(CD 11) presented a a Resolution to the Holocaust Museum LA. The meaningful presentation facilitated by Council Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12 also honored more than 25 community service organizations serving all of Los Angeles. These organizations are making Los Angeles better and truly working toward an LA for All by serving the community regardless of race, religion, or culture.


Now more than ever, the notion of repairing our world and uniting in service is a light for all of us to follow.

Watch the full story on Yom HaShoah!

Father Greg Boyle Day in LA

On Friday, the Los Angeles City Council and LA Civil Rights honored Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, for his remarkable work and accomplishments by officially declaring his birthday, May 19, "Father Greg Boyle Day in LA." This recognition follows his recent Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, which President Biden bestowed on Father Boyle at the White House earlier this month.


Father Boyle, an Angeleno, has been instrumental in healing Los Angeles, providing thousands of residents with second chances and opportunities when they need them most. LA Civil Rights considers Father Boyle both a friend and a hero. Homeboy Industries was one of our first partners during the pandemic, joining our reentry programming and hosting Peace and Healing Circles. Last year, Father Boyle visited our office, shared his wisdom with our staff, and signed our "Heroes Wanted" wall.

It's only fitting that Father Boyle is being honored during Civility Month. His work embodies civility, fostering connections and relationships through compassion, kinship, and tenderness. Father Boyle started Homeboy Industries 36 years ago, and it has since grown into the most significant gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world.

Locally, Father Boyle and Homeboy Industries embody #LAForAll, instilling a sense of pride and belonging in our community.  Thank you Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez (CD1) and Councilmember Tim McOsker (CD15) hosting this important recognition. Following the Council Presentation a special birthday party was held for Father Boyle where Mayor Karen Bass, former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Senator Maria Elena Durazo thoughtfully shared about how Father Boyle's tireless dedication to redemption through compassion and second chances as a light for us all to follow.

Click her to learn more about Upward Mobility 

May: International Civility Awareness Month

On May 7, 2024, our Director of Civic Engagement and Human Rights, Joumana Silyan-Saba, delivered a keynote speech at the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) International Graduation Ceremony. Silyan-Saba, a CSUDH alumna and former adjunct professor in the CSUDH Negotiation and Conflict Management Graduate Program, shared her insights and encouragement with the graduating class.



During her keynote speech to the 45 graduate students representing Asian and South Asian countries, she congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to dream big and remain beacons of hope in the river of humanity. In her remarks, she emphasized democracy, freedom of thought and speech, freedom of religion, safety and security as fundamental to human dignity and striving societies. Silyan-Saba urged the students to invest personally in leveraging technological advancements for the betterment of humanity, to seek innovative and improved outcomes, and to uphold civilized discourse on critical issues.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

May 17th marked the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia a global celebration of sexual and gender diversities. This year's theme, "No one left behind: Equality, freedom, and justice for all," underscores the importance of inclusivity and solidarity.

LA Civil Rights' Transgender Advisory Council (TAC) plays a crucial role in advising the Mayor, City Council, elected officials, and governmental agencies on policies, programs, and projects that address the most pressing issues facing the transgender community. TAC's aim is to ensure that no one is left behind, regardless of gender identity or sexuality.


To further this work, TAC is hosting an in-person housing resource fair at the California Endowment, sponsored by Councilwoman Traci Park (CD11) on June 12. This fair will provide affordable and accessible housing options and social services for the transgender, gender-nonconforming/nonbinary, intersex, and two-spirit (TGI2+) community.

RSVP Here!

In the Community

A Weekend of

Service & Celebration

This weekend, the LA Civil Rights Team was active across Los Angeles in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Events took place in historic Thai Town, Koreatown, and Filipinotown, celebrating community and providing valuable resources.



On Saturday, in recognition of National Public Works Week, we joined Together in Service—a collaboration of non-profits aimed at increasing volunteerism—along with the LA Public Works Department for a Community Resource Fair in Thai Town. Special thanks to Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, Public Works Commissioner Susana Reyes, and the Thai Community Development Center. The fair featured workshops on tenant protections and eviction defense, personal legal consultations on housing, and much more!


On Sunday, The Row DTLA hosted the AAPI LA Smorgasburg, a true foodie heaven! This event, held in collaboration with the City, is

known as the largest weekly open-air food market. Attendees enjoyed family activities, civil engagement opportunities, and, most importantly, celebrated community and culture!

CicLAmini

Wilmington Welcomed

the 52nd LA Open Streets Event

On Sunday, the streets of Wilmington buzzed with activity during the pedestrian-centric extravaganza of CicLAmini, inviting residents of all ages to enjoy a day of wholesome fun and connection.


Similar to a regular CicLAvia event, CicLAmini promotes more respect and infrastructure for bike and pedestrian-friendly public spaces.


Sunday's event successfully highlighted various active modes of transportation, from jogging and walking to biking and skating.


From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the neighborhood streets were full of activity, offering attendees engaging experiences, including street games and friendly competitions. During the event, local businesses proudly showcased their offerings, fostering a deeper sense of local pride and support.

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn

Save the Date

Is Car Culture the Ultimate Act of Community in Crenshaw?

Friday, May 31, 6PM-8PM

ASU California Center at the Herald Examiner

In the 1950s and ‘60s, car dealerships lined Crenshaw Boulevard, ready to serve the neighborhood’s rising Black middle class. Cars and Crenshaw have gone together ever since. To this day, enthusiasts drive their custom lowriders to the boulevard every Sunday evening, looking to show off sleek chrome details and roaring engines, and to foster a long-standing cruising community. Why has Crenshaw Boulevard remained one of the most robust cruising scenes in the nation—surviving repeated attempts by law enforcement to shut down lowrider parades, and ready to thrive under a new California law that protects car culture in Crenshaw and beyond? In what ways have Black Angelenos used car culture to advance the idea of “Sankofa,” the African concept of retrieving things of value from our knowledge of the past? 


Sculptor Charles Dickson and Destination Crenshaw founding lead historian Larry Earl visit Zócalo to discuss Dickson’s contribution to Sankofa Park, and how monumental public art projects and cruising scenes throughout Southern California can bring people together.


Register to join this free public event in-person or online.

Applications Now Open: Olivia E. Mitchell LA City Youth Council

The Los Angeles Youth Development Department is excited to announce the third cohort of the Olivia Mitchell LA City Youth Council.


This youth-led council will comprise 30 Los Angeles residents, ages 16-25. The council seats empowered youth from across the City who will serve a one-year term. During their term, members learn about the inner workings of local government, drive special community projects and civic events, and make policy and budget recommendations to elected and civic leaders of the City to improve the well-being, safety, and achievement of young Angelenos.


Applications for Cohort III opened May 17th and close on June 30th.


If you or a young person you know are looking for an opportunity to amplify youth voices and are a resident of the City of LA, consider applying on the LA City Council website at youthcouncil.lacity.gov

Contact LA Civil Rights

LA Civil Rights Department

www.LAisforEveryone.com

201 N. Los Angeles St., Suite 6

Los Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 978-1845

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin