Dear LA Civil Rights Family,

Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his spirit of service, this morning, I am proud to join my beloved alma mater, Cal State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) in the Kingdom Day Parade as the procession travels through the historic corridors of South Los Angeles. I look forward to seeing many of you there and I hope you stop by our table to "Just Say Hello."

Although Dr. King’s principles guide our mission year-round, as a child of the 1980s, I never imagined the need to establish the LA Civil Rights Department in 2020. When the need became clear and we began building this department, I could not have predicted how, just a few years later, our daily work to fight hate and discrimination would be tested nationwide, as agencies like ours are being dismantled. This is why our commitment to an #LAForAll matters now more than ever.

Recent events across the country have caused fear and grief in many communities. In moments like these, access to clear and reliable information becomes essential. We continue to share Know Your Rights resources to ensure Angelenos understand their protections and feel supported, and we are grateful to stand with Mayor Karen Bass and city leadership, whose guidance centers public safety and care.

Looking ahead, January 24th marks the National Day of Racial Healing. In a moment shaped by real harm and real fear, this day calls for honesty about the realities facing diverse communities. Healing begins when we choose to address pain directly and commit to building a city rooted in dignity, belonging, and justice for all.

Keep the faith and keep the fight,

Capri Maddox, Esq.

Executive Director

LA Civil Rights Department

Wildfire Remembrance, Recovery Continues

Image Description: Mayor Karen Bass leading a remembrance with city leaders standing with heads bowed.

January 7th marked one year since the devasting wildfires changed the lives of many across Los Angeles. At a city-led remembrance hosted by Mayor Bass, our Chief Operating Officer, Nicole Bryant, joined in honoring those who suffered loss and acknowledged the impact still felt by families and neighborhoods across our region.

As recovery continues, resources remain available for residents seeking support and information. City recovery updates and assistance can be found at recovery.lacity.gov with additional county resources available at lacounty.gov/relief.

Coming Together Over MLK Weekend

Image Description: Left: Mayor Karen Bass addresses the YMCA's MLK Brotherhood Breakfast audience. Right: LA Civil Rights staff and commissioners pose at the event.

Over the weekend, Executive Director Capri Maddox, along with staff and commissioners, joined community gatherings in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These moments included: the 55th Annual YMCA Dr. Martin Luther King Brotherhood Breakfast and LAPD's South MLK Anniversary Observance, where we shared space with Chief Jim McDonnell and city leaders, including Khalil Rasheed and Anne Haley-Brown of the Office of the City Attorney. Each gathering offered space to reflect and honor his legacy while reaffirming our shared commitment to service.

Exploring Career Pathways in Crisis Response

Image Description: Flyers for the "Shaping the Future of Community Safety" event happening January 31st, featuring headshots of special guests, moderators and panelists.

January is Poverty in America Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how access to opportunity shapes safety and stability across our communities. One way this work shows up is through pathways into careers rooted in care and service.

On Saturday, January 31st, join us virtually from 10 AM to 12 PM to learn about the region's growing behavioral health and crisis response career fields through the lens of city programming. Participants will gain the insider's perspective on the Crisis and Incident Response through Community-led Engagement (CIRCLE) and the Unarmed Model of Crisis Response (UMCR) programs. Panel discussion about pathways to meaningful careers will follow, featuring compassionate responders and experts from Alcott Center, Cal State LA, LA City College, LACCD, Exodus Recovery, Inc., Penny Lane Centers, Positive Results Center, Public Works Alliance, and UCLA. 

Community Partnerships Advancing Environmental Justice

As part of NASA's environmental justice grant project, the LA Civil Rights Department supported the submission of a closeout report documenting community-informed work on air quality data. The department partnered with the Mayor’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, City of Los Angeles Public Works Bureau of Street Lighting, OpenAQ, and Cal State LA to engage environmental justice organizations in conversations about local pollution and environmental health.

Community insight shaped how environmental data was interpreted, particularly where traditional air quality measures fall short at the neighborhood level. This input informed improvements to project tools and helped ensure the final submission reflected real conditions experienced by communities most impacted by environmental harm.



Apply Now to Volunteer with Us Now

The LA Civil Rights Volunteer Corps is looking for Angelenos, passionate about civil rights, racial equity, and positive change for our city. The fight for equity and inclusion does not belong to just one person. It takes all of us working together to create the Los Angeles that we know is possible. If you’re interested in making a difference and being part of the positive change in our city, join our Volunteer Corps. 

We can’t wait to welcome you to our team of dedicated volunteers! Let's make an impact together!

We look forward to working with you. 

Learn more at https://bit.ly/LAVolCorps25

Applications close January 23, 2026.