The impact of Covid-19 has laid bare many existing inequities, and civic leaders in Los Angeles are determined to turn this moment into a movement for real reform. The city has already taken steps to inject equity into government operations and policies, including updating police tactics and investing $250 million in public funds toward social services, youth development, health, housing, and healing for Black Angelenos and communities of color. This included establishing a Civil and Human Rights Department (CHRD), which is charged with addressing the long-standing discrimination that impacts underserved and minority communities in Los Angeles.
To support its work, CHRD will partner with FUSE Executive Fellow Ronnell Hampton for one year to help develop a comprehensive strategic plan for its Equity and Empowerment (E2) initiative, which will advance racial equity through policy and programs, specifically addressing an equitable response to Covid-19, the digital divide, and food deserts. Successful implementation of E2 will support the protection of people’s rights, enable enactment of smart and overdue reforms, and contribute to the undoing of structural racism.
