In response to historic increases in hate crimes across Los Angeles County, LA vs Hate is launching the “Signs of Solidarity” campaign to empower residents to visibly stand against hate and promote unity in communities. The 2023 Hate Crime Report by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations revealed a 45% increase in reported hate crimes, rising from 930 in 2022 to 1,350 in 2023 – the highest number recorded since the commission began tracking in 1980.

LA vs Hate, the county’s anti-hate program led by the Commission on Human Relations, produced the “Signs of Solidarity” grassroots campaign to address alarming rises in hate by distributing community signage – such as yard signs, posters and murals – to foster a shared neighborhood identity rooted in inclusion and respect for diversity. By giving residents tools to publicly display their values, LA vs Hate hopes to shift social norms and foster neighborhoods that not only reject hate, but actively stand against it. “Signs of Solidarity” builds on LA vs Hate’s 2023 campaign “Summer of Solidarity,” a public art series that celebrates the diverse communities of Los Angeles through community-led murals across all five county districts.

Following the inaugural release of the 2023 Hate Incident report, which reported an alarming increase in hate activity in L.A. County, LA vs Hate began planning a new strategy in 2024 to take direct action in the most impacted neighborhoods. “Signs of Solidarity” is working with local communities to reclaim public spaces with visible messages of inclusion. The campaign will launch in different areas month by month – beginning with the Westlake and San Pedro neighborhoods – to address the highest numbers of reported hate crimes and incidents against the most affected communities, including African Americans, Latinos, immigrants, Jewish, Muslim and LGBTQ+ residents. By focusing efforts where they are needed most, LA vs Hate aims to respond to the alarming rise in hate crimes, strengthen community resilience, encourage reporting and deter hate by building a culture of solidarity and belonging.

“Our communities are strongest when we stand together against hate,” said Robin Toma, executive director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. “The ‘Signs of Solidarity’ campaign is more than just signage – it’s a call to action, a way for residents to express their values and visibly take a stand against hate. At a time when L.A. County is experiencing historic rises in hate crimes, it is more critical than ever to show cross-community solidarity to prevent hate, and encourage a culture where inclusion is not just encouraged, but expected.”

For information, visit lavshate.org/signsofsolidarity.