Dear LA Civil Rights Family,

I hope you enjoyed a restful Labor Day - or took time to appreciate all the diligent workers in your life. At LA Civil Rights, we celebrate our hardworking staff and acknowledge the dynamic, multicultural coalition of advocates, who fought to create this Department, including the UCLA Labor Center, the Institute of Popular Education of Southern California (“IDEPSCA”), and the Los Angeles Black Worker Center. Their work allows us to address inequities and create a more inclusive Los Angeles for current residents and the next generation of leaders.
Speaking of future generations, most schools are back in session, including Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which serves more than 600,000 students. The start of the school year reminds me of my time as an LAUSD student attending Fairfax High School. If I could go back to my school days, I would tell young Capri, "Ten percent of life is what happens to you, and ninety percent is how you respond!" Yesterday, my alma mater gave me the ultimate nod by inducting me and other esteemed alums into Fairfax High Schools' Hall of Fame, which is especially meaningful because I faced many challenges during my school days and was even ineligible to participate in my high school graduation ceremony. 
As I look forward to all this month will bring, I'm eager to celebrate the beautiful diversity of LA! On September 15th, the City of Los Angeles will mark the beginning of Latino Heritage Month with the annual celebration of El Grito de Dolores – a celebration of Mexican Independence - hosted by Council District 13 Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez. To close out the month, we'll illuminate iconic landmarks across the City to celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of our award-winning anti-hate campaign #LAForAll, along with a challenge for you to join us.
Regardless of the month, the week, or the weather, LA Civil Rights is here making a difference - and making an LA For Everyone.
Keep the fight and ¡Sà Se Puede!

Capri Maddox, Esq.
Executive Director
LA Civil Rights Department
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Celebrating Latino Heritage Month | |
Join us in celebrating Latino Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 as we recognize the rich culture and contributions of Latinos, the largest ethnic group in Los Angeles! To mark the occasion, we're launching a social media campaign and hosting a dynamic panel discussion. Learn more below! | |
Image Description: Latinas Leading Change flyer, information below |
The LA Civil Rights Department will conclude the month of celebrations by proudly presenting “Latinas Leading Change: Trailblazers in Advocacy, Philanthropy, Business, Academia, Entertainment, and Wealth." Mark your calendars for this inspiring panel discussion on October 8, 2024, at 5:30 P. M. at the Latino Theater Company.
This event aims to recognize the diverse and impactful contributions of Latinas to Los Angeles' social, economic, and cultural fabric. It will showcase how Latinas are driving change, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, and empowering others to follow in their footsteps. It’s a moment for everyone to reflect on and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that shapes our City.
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For People Of Color Admissions Conference | |
Image Description: Flyer for the For People Of Color, Inc. Law School Admissions Conference, details below | |
LA Civil Rights' Executive Director Capri Maddox, Esq. served as this year's keynote speaker at the For People of Color, Inc. Law School Admissions Conference on Saturday, September 7, 2024, co-hosted at her beloved Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.
Attendees received a comprehensive overview of the law school application process. Current law students, faculty, and attorneys described their pathways to law school and answered questions from attendees. LA Civil Rights is committed to building a better Los Angeles, and Upward Mobility Programs, like this one help create pipelines for success, enabling all Angelenos reach the middle class and beyond.
Check out more events like this one on the Upcoming Events section of our home page.
| Image Description: Photo of a weekly view of a calendar with upcoming events featuring the LA Civil Rights logo | |
Third Anniversary of #LAForAll | |
Save the date!
LA Civil Rights is lighting up the City to celebrate and recognize the 3rd Anniversary of the award-winning, anti-hate campaign, LA For All.
This year, for THREE nights, iconic landmarks across LA will be illuminated after dark to mark THREE years of fighting hate in LA and to celebrate THREE things: diversity, solidarity, and an #LAForAll.
The beautifully lit landmarks will provide a stunning backdrop for your next social post. We invite everyone to snap a photo and share it online — be sure to tag @LACivilRights and use the hashtag #LAForAllChallenge to join the movement.
Be a force multiplier and stand with us as we remind the world: Hate has no place in LA!
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Reparations Report Wrap-up | |
Image Description: From left to right: Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza ARDI Executive Director, Capri Maddox LA Civil Rights Executive Director, RAC Commissioners Khansa T. Jones-Muhammad, and Ambassador Michael A. Lawson (Ret.), and Emcee Dominique DiPrima | |
LA Civil Rights and its Reparations Advisory Commission made history with the unveiling of the Executive Summary of the first City-sponsored Reparations Report, which examines the Black experience in Los Angeles. This interim report was created through a collaborative study with with research partners California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and Mockingbird Analytics.
Nearly 200 attendees gathered at CSUN’s University Student Union - Northridge Center to hear the study’s findings. Following the presentation, emcee Dominique DiPrima, KBLA 1580 AM host, moderated a panel discussion and open comment forum.
Community members, community-based organizations, and local leaders, including Councilmember Curren Price (Council District 9), Dr. D'Artagnan Scorza, Executive Director of Los Angeles County’s Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI), and a representative from LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell's Office (2nd District), attended this historic event.
The study is ongoing, but the Executive Summary: An Examination of African American Experiences in Los Angeles is now available online, and the full report is expected to be published this fall. Based on the academic and community research, the Commission is expected to issue its own report and final recommendations to City leaders by January.
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Image Description: Flyer promoting Reparations Working Groups, information in article | |
Do you want to collaborate with us to develop LA City reparations ideas? We're seeking participants to join small, in-person working groups, which will inform final recommendations to City leaders.
Complete this working group interest form to ensure we learn more specifically what community members would like the City to consider!
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Fairfax High Centennial Hall of Fame | Image Description: Capri Maddox receives award along with induction into Fairfax HS Hall of Fame. |
Yesterday, was historic for LAUSD's Fairfax High School and LA Civil Rights' Executive Director Capri Maddox, who was inducted into the Fairfax Hall of Fame during the Centennial Celebration!
With this honor, Capri joined distinguished Fairfax High graduates, like Producer/Entrepreneur Byron Allen; legendary musicians Herb Alpert, Michael "Flea" Balzary, and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers; former NBA star Chris Mills; former LA City Councilman and County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky; philanthropist Henry Samueli, and many more!
Capri's story is one of overcoming obstacles. In high school, some faculty members didn't believe in her potential for higher education, but she excelled and proved them wrong.

Regardless of whether you are under estimated, housing insecure, or facing your next challenge, find your "why" - and lean into your greatness. If you feel stuck, try to find a mentor, show up to do the work, and follow us for #upward mobility resources.
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File a Civil Rights Complaint | Image Description: Flyer for the LA Civil Rights Enforcement Unit and contact information, more details below |
Discrimination can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination in a private-sector housing, commerce, employment, or education setting, our Civil Rights Enforcement Unit is here to help.
Filing a claim is as simple as 1, 2, 3:
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Scan the QR code or visit LACivilRightsClaim.com.
- Call us at 213-978-1845.
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Email CRE@lacity.org to start the process.
It’s easy, hassle-free, and completely cost-free. Once a claim is filed, one of our staff members will respond within 1-3 days.
Don’t dismiss discrimination as just a bad day in LA — we're here to help you!
For more information, visit our LAisForEveryone.com.
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LA Civil Rights Department
www.LAisforEveryone.com
201 N. Los Angeles St., Suite 6
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 978-1845
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