By Gregory J. Huskisson
Editor, Los Angeles Wave
LOS ANGELES — Someone once said that if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. Unfortunately, the traditional news media has long been part of the problem of spreading hate in America.
We report stories about political opponents spewing hate, about mass shootings at schools and houses of worship, and about unfounded hostilities against immigrants — all without the slightest thought of reporting stories that can help solve — or even examine — the issue of cultural, ethnic, or gender-based hate in America.
This, obviously, is part of the problem.
And that’s why we at The Wave decided to break from “news tradition,” to join the state’s “Stop The Hate” campaign, and partner with community-based organizations like LA Commons and Bridge Builders Foundation to help promote ethnic and racial harmony throughout California and the nation.
For example, we partnered with LA Commons on Oct. 19 to help sponsor the unveiling of a “Stop The Hate” mural inspired by students at MacArthur Park Elementary School. The mural, which promotes images of peace, love and solidarity, was designed to represent more than just expressive artwork, school principal Wendoly Alvarez said.
“Obviously, this is more than just a mural,” Alvarez told a crowd of about 50 students, parents, teachers and civic organizers. “It is a powerful testament to our community’s unity, creativity and shared values.
“It is all about bringing the community together — and the students are at the center of it all,” she added. “We are a part of the MacArthur Park family and community, and we want to do everything we can to uplift it.”
LA Commons Director Karen Mack said the images depicted in the mural — of strength, unity and heart — symbolize commitment to unity and compassion.
“For me, this mural is a representation of love. It’s about anti-hate, but it’s really about love in the community … and a celebration of our young people,” she said. “It is our story that empowers people and empowers neighborhoods — and artists are the superheroes who are translating our stories into murals like the one unveiled here.”
One of those artists, 20-year-old Daniela Alarcon, said young people like her are looking to their elders to light their path toward cultural understanding and awareness.
“Older generations need to teach us about stopping the hate through various activities so we can improve our culture and also influence our communities for future generations,” said Alarcon, a Spanish major at Cal State Northridge.
We agree. And that’s why we’re stepping up to do our part. Because we’re not just a newspaper company — we’re a vital part of the fabric of the Los Angeles community. We live and work and shop and play here — so we know that, as this community goes, so go we.
And we know that if we’re ever going to overcome hate in this society, it has to start with young people. We often say that children are our future — well, it’s time we stopped just talking about it and started being about it.
This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
