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The events of the last few days—from the murder of George Floyd to the resulting protests across the country—have once again exposed the reality of being Black in America. Our country continues to suffer from deep inequality and institutionalized racism, and Los Angeles is not immune. Our shameful history of segregation and economic disenfranchisement has created a city whose communities of color still face the deepest inequities.
We firmly believe that Black lives matter. Black Angelenos deserve to live in a Los Angeles that is theirs, too. Safe streets, equal protection under the law, and healthy lives are the basic rights that for too long have been denied to communities of color. We recognize the amazing work of leading organizations fighting racism in all its forms. We also recognize that as an organization with many white leaders and members, we have a duty to leverage our collective social and political capital in that fight, all the while listening to and learning from those organizations led by activists of color. Their critical work is essential to building a better future for Los Angeles.
This week we’re directing our advocacy to supporting the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. We encourage AHLA supporters to engage with organizations doing work to help undo systemic racism, including supporting the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
We are committed long-term to the cause of abundant housing, as housing justice is an essential component of racial and economic justice. In a city and country where poverty is racialized, LA’s soaring rents and housing shortages mean that safe and healthy homes remain out of reach for many people of color. Our current housing crisis is a direct threat to the very health and wellbeing of people of color in LA and around the nation. We are committed to this fight, now more than ever. We encourage all of you to do your part, too, and to center racial and economic justice in everything we do.
