One struggle, one fight! Workers Unite! Today, AAPI Equity Alliance and Stop the Hate LA are marching in solidarity with fellow workers, immigrants, and labor groups for International Workers’ Day.
This nationwide march, also known as May Day, demonstrates the power of coalition building and working class immigrants when it comes to creating meaningful change for our communities.
In 2006, hundreds of thousands of Latino immigrants and supporters from across the country mobilized in response to the escalation of anti-immigrant policies. Nearly two decades later, communities of color continue to fight for the right to belong.
Now, as the values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are under attack, we are seeing the dangers of anti-immigrant sentiments and hate-fueled attitudes be codified in our government and policies.
Together, our 42 Stop the Hate LA partners and 50 AAPI Equity Alliance members are committed to fighting systemic patterns of discrimination and hate that are harming Angelenos.
From voicing concerns on hate to local and state leaders to promoting belonging through LA vs. Hate’s “Signs of Solidarity” campaign, we are calling for safer communities for all Angelenos.
From top to bottom: AAPI Equity & Stop the Hate LA with Senator Sasha Renee Perez (SD-25). AAPI Equity & Stop AAPI hate with Assemblymember Mike Fong (AD-49).
Stay tuned: In May, we’re heading up to Sacramento together in solidarity with 173 Stop the Hate partners from across the state to share with elected officials on how hate is impacting Californians. Our #CommunityVoices stories demonstrate the power of solidarity for community healing from hate and violence.
When we come together, we are one step closer to a world where everyone is accepted and celebrated for who they are – no matter their race, identity, gender, religion, or culture.
Community Voices
With the help of Stop the Hate partner 211 LA, Mr. B was able to turn a hateful moment into an educational lesson. The outcome illustrates how solidarity can lead to collective healing, even the beginning of a larger movement.
Students in Mr. B’s classroom passed around a school laptop with “F*ck Ni**ers. KKK for life. F*ck you” carved onto it. It took over a month until one of his Black students reported the hate crime. Shocked and distressed, Mr. B emphasized: “I want this to be an educational moment.” He asked the 211 LA Dream Center, a safe haven for students, to support and run a hate crime workshop.
The workshop made students think critically about the impact of their words. The student who carved the words expressed his regret sincerely, taking accountability for his actions.
Students felt motivated to do more and led a solidarity campaign called “Words Matter, Choose Wisely.” They posted flyers around campus and shared videos on social media to spread the message: Hateful words cause lasting harm.
The movement sparked neighboring high schools students to organize dialogues on race. Mr. B thanked the Center for their approach helping the community be better and stronger.
Read more stories from #StoptheHateLA partners like 211 LA to see how our network promotes solidarity and healing.
*Names have been changed to maintain confidentiality.
