By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations and various LA County Employee Associations last Saturday hosted an “Awareness Forum for Building Safer Communities.”
The forum was designed to educate the public about the difference between hate crimes and hate incidents and raise awareness on how to make communities safer in combating acts of hate throughout Los Angeles.
Several LA County employee associations attended the event, including the Los Angeles County African American Employees Association, the Los Angeles County Asian American Association, and the Los Angeles County Hispanic Managers Association, among others.
“It is crucial that we come together to combat hate in all its forms across diverse communities,” said Robin Toma, Executive Director of the LA County Commission on Human Relations. “That’s why we are partnering today with LA County Employee Associations, activists, community leaders, and residents who have come together to call for action against the rise in hate. We always urge anyone experiencing hate or discrimination to seek free support and assistance by reporting to LAvsHate.org or calling 2-1-1.”
In response to tensions Angelenos have faced in 2025, including politically divisive rhetoric and widespread federal immigration raids, which led to clashes, vandalism, and curfews, causing fear and disruption in communities, the speakers on Saturday emphasized the importance of standing in solidarity and the need to be vigilant against hate activity before it can take root.
A portion of the forum was a listening session, where community members could speak openly about the challenges they have faced and gain empowerment through knowledge and the tools needed to create safer and more inclusive communities.
“Today, we came together across many different communities and held an open discussion on how we can support each other to make other communities safer. None of us lives in a bubble; that’s why it’s important to stand together and share the vital information to ensure people feel safe and secure year-round, no matter the situation they may be facing,” said DeLlora Ellis-Gant, President of the Los Angeles County African American Employees Association.
The forum came as the LA County’s Human Relations Commission’s (HRC) 2023 Hate Crime Report, found hate crimes increased 45% from 930 in 2022 to 1,350 in 2023—the highest number recorded since tracking began in 1980.
During the forum, the commission also presented its groundbreaking animated film, “Echoes of a System,” featuring the real-life testimony of a Black student and his family, who were negatively impacted by school policing in the Antelope Valley.
The film is part of the Commission’s School Safety Narrative Collection Initiative. It highlights a student of color who represents a broader community whose experiences are often excluded from school safety discussions. It was a stark reminder that racism comes in all forms and affects the youngest in our communities at a tender age.
For more information about LA County’s Commission on Human Relations, click here.
