embRACE LA

Los Angeles residents are wanted to discuss race, ethnicity and diversity through a program called embRACE LA.

LA leaders kicked off the program Thursday at City Hall, where councilmen Herb Wesson and Mitch O’Farrell touted the importance of the effort, which aims to foster stronger race relations by engaging residents across the city through dialogue and activities.

“When you look at the rise of hate crimes in this city then there is without a doubt a need for us to do something,” Wesson said, speaking at the Rick Orlov Memorial Media Center at City Hall. “As a child of the ‘60s, I know what it’s likely to turn a community around, a city around, a state around, a country around, and you do that by having an uncomfortable conversation about what is going on.”

Added Councilman O’Farrell: “As city leaders, it is our responsibility to engage in these conversations. To move toward the issue and not run away from it. The dialogue between people and institutions the fundamental mechanism we use to become a better and more inclusive city.”

The pilot program starts with an online survey, which residents will be invited to fill out. The city’s Human Relations Commission plans to go door-to-door in the 9th Council District (which includes L.A. Live and Exposition Park) with a longer interview survey.(Continue reading at LA Daily News)