In response to historic increases in hate crimes across Los Angeles County, LA vs Hate is launching the “Signs of Solidarity” (SOS) campaign to empower residents to stand against hate and promote unity within their communities. The 2023 Hate Crime Report by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations revealed a 45 percent 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 the tools to display their values publicly, LA vs Hate hopes to shift social norms and foster neighborhoods that reject and actively stand against hate. “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. “Signs of Solidarity” debuted at the Spring Celebration in Westlake, hosted by LA City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez (CD-1).
“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 LA 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.”
Following the 2023 Hate Crime report, LA vs Hate began planning a new strategy in 2024 to take direct action in the neighborhoods most impacted. The campaign will launch in different areas month by month to address the highest numbers of reported hate crimes and incidents against the most affected communities, including African Americans, Latinos/immigrants, Jews, Muslims, and LGBTQ+.
“The rise in hate crimes in our communities is a stark reminder that we must actively defend the values that make Los Angeles County a diverse and welcoming place for all,” said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Team and Supervisor for the First District. “The ‘Signs of Solidarity’ campaign empowers residents to unite against hate and show that we stand together to support each other. By transforming our public spaces with messages of inclusion, we empower our communities and signal that we will not tolerate hatred. Unity will always prevail.”
“‘Signs of Solidarity’ unites our diverse communities in sending one powerful message—that hate has no place in any of our cities or unincorporated communities,” said Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor for the Fourth District. “I hope that these signs spark dialogue and inspire each of us to take action—starting where we are—to help end the rise in hate crimes and hate speech.”
The “Signs of Solidarity” campaign welcomes the LA County Board of Supervisors, Metro, and over a dozen community-based organizations, the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ), Homies Unidos, and LA Commons as core partners, and LA vs Hate plans continue to build cross-community partnerships with organizations and agencies across the county to build momentum and support.
For more information about “Signs of Solidarity” or to request a sign, visit www.lavshate.org/signsofsolidarity.