Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell speaks with Robin Toma, left, ex. dir. of the LA County Commission on Human Relations, and DA George Gascón during a news conference marking the beginning of United Against Hate Week in Los Angeles’ Grand Park on Monday, November 14, 2022. The LA vs Hate campaign includes leaving wishes for a hate-free county on an olive tree outside the Hall of Administration in the park. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A woman hangs a message on a “Wishing Tree” as LA County officials mark the beginning of United Against Hate Week in Los Angeles’ Grand Park on Monday, November 14, 2022. The LA vs Hate campaign includes leaving wishes for a hate-free county on an olive tree outside the Hall of Administration in the park. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Messages are left on a “Wishing Tree” as LA County officials mark the beginning of United Against Hate Week in Los Angeles’ Grand Park on Monday, November 14, 2022. The LA vs Hate campaign includes leaving wishes for a hate-free county on an olive tree outside the Hall of Administration in the park. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón speaks during a news conference marking the beginning of United Against Hate Week in Los Angeles’ Grand Park on Monday, November 14, 2022. The LA vs Hate campaign includes leaving wishes for a hate-free county on an olive tree outside the Hall of Administration in the park. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell writes “True equity and equality for all” on her “Wishing Tree” message as LA County officials mark the beginning of United Against Hate Week in Los Angeles’ Grand Park on Monday, November 14, 2022. The LA vs Hate campaign includes leaving wishes for a hate-free county on an olive tree outside the Hall of Administration in the park. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
A message hangs on a” Wishing Tree” during a news conference with LA County officials marking the beginning of United Against Hate Week in Los Angeles’ Grand Park on Monday, November 14, 2022. The LA vs Hate campaign includes leaving wishes for a hate-free county on the olive tree outside the Hall of Administration in the park. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County marked the beginning of United Against Hate Week at the at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration and Grand Park on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022.
The rally included speakers and the unveiling of a “Wishing Tree” art project, on which visitors tied paper tags expressing residents’ wishes for a hate-free county.
The effort is aimed at urging communities to “reject hate and bigotry and promote inclusion through a unique, community-building blend of art, social media and educational resources,” organizers said.
Among the speakers were:
–Holly Mitchell, chair of the county Board of Supervisors;
–Robin Toma, executive director of the county Commission on Human Relations, lead agency for LA vs Hate;
–District Attorney George Gascon; and
–Debra Duardo, superintendent, county Office of Education;
LA vs Hate is comprised of three components, officials said:
–A marketing campaign to unite L.A. County against hate;
–A network of agencies to provide assistance and prevention strategies to prevent hate;
–And free assistance to anyone reporting hate to 211 or www.LAvsHate.org.
The Los Angeles area has reported an alarming increase in hate crimes in recent years, as has much of the rest of the nation. Many groups have stepped up to take steps to condemn such acts, including the founding of myriad news groups and drives.
