Los Angeles, CA — [March 27, 2025] — As the nation continues to witness a disturbing rise in hate speech and discrimination, 211 LA is proud to announce the release of two impactful videos, "Suffering in Silence" and "Words Matter," as part of its ongoing commitment to combating hate and promoting social justice. These videos are a direct response to the growing urgency to address hate in our communities, and they aim to shine a light on the challenges faced by vulnerable groups while emphasizing the transformative power of language in fostering understanding, empathy, and respect.
The "Words Matter" video highlights the powerful movement created by students at La Puente High School. As part of the Stop the Hate initiative, these students led a school-wide campaign to confront harmful language and promote empathy, inclusion, and respect among their peers. The campaign’s success demonstrated that change starts with the words we choose to use, and that through dialogue, education, and understanding, we can create a safer and more inclusive world.
The "Suffering in Silence" video focuses on the challenges faced by street vendors and the undocumented community in LA County. Despite the legal decriminalization of street vending many vendors still face threats of violence and discrimination. The film follows Milagros Cova, a Venezuelan street vendor in Los Angeles county, as she navigates these challenges, highlighting the vital work of 211 LA’s outreach coordinator, José Luis Kerch, and his efforts to combat the underreporting of hate crimes among street vendors. "Suffering in Silence" is a powerful call to action, urging society to recognize and support the challenges faced by these communities.
These videos were made possible thanks to Measure B funding allocated to 211 LA through the LA vs Hate program and supported by the LA County Human Relations Commission.
About 211 LA:
211 LA is the hub for community members and community organizations looking for all types of health, human, and social services in Los Angeles County. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, 211 LA has served the people of Los Angeles County since 1981. 211 LA's services are funded by Los Angeles County, the State of California, LAHSA, SoCal Gas, Southern California Edison, AARP, and others.
About Stop the Hate:
The Stop the Hate initiative is a school-based anti-hate intervention program funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Nationwide, students face bullying and discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, gender, appearance, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation.
Thanks to Stop the Hate, Dream Centers have been established in Los Angeles County as safe spaces where students can find support, build friendships, and learn to connect with one another in an inclusive environment. The Dream Centers are located at key schools across the region, including Fedde Middle School, Norwalk High School, Inglewood High School, La Puente High School, and Morningside High School.
211 LA works closely with partners like the AAPI Equity Alliance, Helpline Youth Counseling (HYC), Asian Youth Center (AYC), and the LA County Human Relations Commission to staff these centers with dedicated care coordinators who provide support and foster a culture of empathy and inclusion.
About 211 LA Street Vendor Outreach Program
In 2023, 211 LA was awarded a three-year grant from the Resilient Communities program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. This grant aims to enhance community-based approaches to addressing hate crimes, focusing on increasing awareness, victim reporting, and improving responses to incidents of hate. As part of this initiative, 211 LA is expanding its outreach efforts to include street vendors, a community that often faces heightened risks of discrimination and violence.
Through this outreach, 211 LA is helping to raise awareness among street vendors about their ability to report hate crimes and access critical support services. By equipping vendors with the knowledge and resources to report incidents through 2-1-1, the program ensures that these vulnerable individuals are not left to suffer in silence.
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Media Contact
Sara Lueders
slueders@wearerally.com
