For Immediate Release
LA Civil Rights Celebrates “Just Say Hello” Campaign Citywide Rollout on International Friendship Day 2025
New Phase of “LA For All” Initiative Aims to Stop Hate, Build Belonging Across Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — July 30, 2025 — On International Friendship Day, the City of Los Angeles Civil Rights Department highlighted a new citywide campaign — “Just Say Hello” — at Los Angeles City Hall this morning, calling on Angelenos to fight hate with human connection and kindness.
The launch event featured powerful multi-lingual visuals, cultural performances, music by DJ Puffs, and remarks from city officials and community leaders. “Just Say Hello” is the latest expansion of LA Civil Rights' award-winning LA For All initiative — a citywide anti-hate campaign promoting inclusion, equity, and solidarity through public messaging and partnerships.
Today’s launch comes amid a concerning rise in hate crimes, bias incidents, and fear in immigrant communities, with city leaders emphasizing the power of small gestures to bridge divides. In addition, LA Civil Rights is curating an artistic campaign to show solidarity with the immigrant rights movement.
“In the face of rising hate and fear — especially in immigrant communities — ‘Just Say Hello’ is about choosing connection over division,” said Capri Maddox, Executive Director of the LA Civil Rights Department. “We’re reminding Angelenos that a simple greeting can be a powerful first step to healing, safety, and understanding throughout our communities.”
Developed in collaboration with award-winning designer Masaki Koike of Phyx Design, the “Just Say Hello” campaign launches in 11 languages to reflect the rich cultural diversity of Los Angeles. Campaign visuals will be featured on sanitation vehicles, recreation facilities, and digital billboards across the city — including more than 75 transit shelters and arrival and departure signs throughout LAX terminals.
“When a federal government motivated by hate tries to terrorize our neighbors, we answer with solidarity and love for our community,” said Hugo Soto-Martinez, Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 13. “Thank you to LA Civil Rights for spearheading this campaign."
“In moments like these, when fear and national division threaten to pull us apart, we must double down on what makes our communities strong: connection, compassion, and unity,” said Tim McOsker, Los Angeles City Councilmember for District 15. “We need to continue lifting each other up, standing together, and supporting our communities by looking out for one another. Thank you to the LA Civil Rights Department for leading this campaign to bring Angelenos together.”
Attendees enjoyed music by DJ Puffs and received “Just Say Hello” resources — all encouraging a citywide call to action: share your selfies and stories using #JustSayHelloLA to show how a simple hello builds bridges and breaks barriers between strangers, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, faith, or country of origin.
City Departments including LA Sanitation & Environment, StreetsLA, Parks & Recreation, Los Angeles Public Library, Port of LA, LAWA, and others joined the campaign and will help amplify its message in their daily operations and outreach.
Attendees also received multilingual Know Your Rights materials and engaged with campaign visuals — including wrapped sanitation trucks and large-format posters — all themed around belonging, safety, and shared humanity.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Angelenos are invited to join the campaign by visiting JustSayHello.org and following @LACivilRights on social media.
Social Media: Use the hashtag #JustSayHelloLA to share your support.
Taglines: Break Barriers. Build Bridges / LA is For Everyone