In a harmonious fusion of cultures and shared values, The Immigrant Magazine launched its campaign to combat hate against black immigrants during the Immigrant Connection Holiday Mixer in Los Angeles, California. The event, held at Afro City, a venue perfectly aligned with the mission to empower people of African descent, stood as a symbol of unity and celebration. The partnership with the South African Consulate, Los Angeles, commemorating South African Reconciliation Day, transformed the occasion into more than just an event but a testament to the strength derived from diversity.
Consul General Thandile Babalwa Sunduza
Heartfelt appreciation goes to the South African Consulate, Los Angeles, whose co-hosting and warm hospitality significantly contributed to the overwhelming success of the event. Their dedication to fostering unity and commemorating South African Reconciliation Day created an atmosphere that was both memorable and meaningful. Consul General Thandile Babalwa Sunduza, in her speech, drew parallels between the movement to stop hate against black immigrants and her experiences as an activist growing up during the apartheid regime in South Africa. Unfortunately, she shared her experiences of prejudice and hate in the United States, recounting an incident at a Los Angeles restaurant. In her effort to bear witness, she shared the incident with The Immigrant Magazine and reported it on the https://www.cavshate.org/ website.
The #OneLove movement, dedicated to countering hate against Black immigrants, attracted influential participants from the Black diaspora in and around Los Angeles, fostering a unique gathering that united individuals from diverse backgrounds. This inclusive event witnessed the convergence of representatives from the Caribbean, Black Latinos, African Americans, and Africa, cultivating a sense of unity among those confronting similar challenges—an experience often unprecedented, as underscored by Dr. Anthony Samad.
Becky L. Monroe, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs California Civil Rights Department
The event garnered strong support from friends and partners representing various organizations, acknowledging the long-overdue emergence of this movement. Their satisfaction in contributing to its inception underscored the significance of this collective journey toward unity, understanding, and acceptance within our global community. Crucially, the gathering provided a platform for an often-overlooked community to assemble, gaining recognition not only for their contributions but also offering an opportunity to share challenges and actively engage in the ongoing movement against hate.
Black immigrants, frequently obscured from view, seized this occasion to not only acknowledge their experiences but to actively participate in the broader movement against hate—a cause already gaining momentum in various communities. Unlike their counterparts in other communities, such as Asian, Latino, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and LGBTQ, Black immigrants, sometimes perceived as solely focused on achieving their American dreams, now recognize the importance of both financial success and the imperative need to acknowledge and report instances of hate. The event consistently emphasized these messages, generating awareness and directing resources for victim assistance, accessible at
Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad, Executive Director of the Mervyn Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute
During the event, the distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Anthony Samad, shared profound perspectives on halting hate against Black immigrants, shedding light on the stakes for Black people in the US and globally. Becky L. Monroe, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs at the California Civil Rights Department, delivered an insightful presentation on stopping hate, emphasizing the availability of resources for hate victims on the website https://www.cavshate.org/.
Sincere thanks go to the sponsors whose generosity enabled the celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures in our immigrant community. The event’s success was further amplified by the presence of members of the press, clergy, and community-based organizations, whose support was instrumental in shaping this movement.
Co-chair, Juanita Palacios Sims, Founder, International Society of Black Latinos, and spouse, Mr. Sims
A crucial role in bringing the vision to life was played by a dedicated hosting committee, determined to empower their respective communities. Ambassadors of the movement and co-chairs include:
- Consul General Thandile Babalwa Sunduza, South African Consulate, Los Angeles
- Pamela Anchang, The Immigrant Magazine, STOP THE HATE Community Partner
- Charles Anchang, The Immigrant Magazine, STOP THE HATE Community Partner
- Jeremy Scott Glenn, Project Coordinator, Stop The Hate
- Rev. Pastor Kelvin Sauls, Chairperson, Stop The Hate Against Black Immigrants
- H.E. Thomas Kwaka, Consul General of Kenya, Campaign Brand Ambassador
- Juanita Palacios Sims, Founder, International Society of Black Latinos, Co-Chair
- Dr. Tadios Belay, President and CEO, U.S. Africa Institute Co-Chair
- Lyndon Johnson, Founder, Carib Press, Co-Chair
- EZ Agrippa, Founder, African Diaspora Foundation, Co-Chair
- Sylvia Litana Ezozo, Chairperson, African Diaspora Foundation, Co-Chair
These community leaders’ dedication and efforts were instrumental in creating an event that truly celebrated unity and diversity. Finally, The Immigrant Magazine invites partners, community leaders, and individuals alike to join in the ‘LOVELUTION’ movement, a powerful force against hate and a celebration of unity. Let us stand together to amplify the message of love, acceptance, and understanding. In the spirit of collaboration, we encourage everyone to share resources within their communities, fostering a network of support that transcends boundaries. Together, we can create lasting change, build bridges of compassion, and pave the way for a world where diversity is not only embraced but celebrated. Join us in this transformative journey, and let the ‘LOVELUTION’ be a beacon of hope, inspiring a collective movement towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.
Lyndon Johnson, Founder, Carib Press, Ethnic Media Services Partners. Sunita Sohrabji, Julian Do, and some community members
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the 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.
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USE YOUR VOICE. REPORT HATE.
