FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Alison Simard
January 27, 2025 Alison.Simard@lacity.org, 213-718-2979
LA Civil Rights Unveils New Phase of Award-Winning LA For All Initiative:
Just Say Hello Encourages Angelenos to Build Connections By Simply Saying Hello
LOS ANGELES, CA – The LA Civil Rights Department is thrilled to unveil Just Say Hello, the newest phase of the award-winning LA For All campaign. Officially introduced on Saturday, January 25, at the 11th Annual Port of Los Angeles Lunar New Year Festival, this initiative builds on the foundation of LA For All—an expression and philosophy celebrating the rich diversity of Los Angeles. Just Say Hello empowers Angelenos to turn this philosophy into action, encouraging simple, meaningful gestures of openness, compassion, and connection that bring strangers closer together.
“In these challenging times, amid increased hate crimes and the ongoing need to focus on disaster recovery, a simple act of human connection and kindness can spark profound healing and unity among Angelenos,” said Capri Maddox, Executive Director of LA Civil Rights. “Los Angeles is strongest when we embrace the power of connection. ‘Just Say Hello’ is more than a greeting — it’s a call to action that unites our city through kindness and inclusivity. I encourage all Angelenos to join this movement and make a difference, one hello at a time.”
Originally launched in 2021 as a response to the alarming rise in hate crimes, LA For All has grown from a multilingual PSA into a transformative citywide initiative. With messaging displayed at over 10,000 landmarks and translated into 21 languages, including American Sign Language, the campaign reflects the inclusivity of Los Angeles. In 2022, LA For All earned a Bronze Award from the American Advertising Federation's Los Angeles Competition, standing out as the only entrant not represented by an advertising firm to receive recognition. Every September, LA For All Week celebrates this unity in diversity, illuminating iconic landmarks like Dodger Stadium and the LAX pylons in the campaign’s vibrant colors, serving as a beacon of hope and solidarity.
The Just Say Hello campaign builds on this legacy, inviting Angelenos from all walks of life to bridge perceived differences and unite under the ethos of LA For All with one simple yet impactful act: a friendly hello. By encouraging everyday greetings, the campaign aims to dismantle barriers, nurture understanding, and strengthen community bonds across Los Angeles. Launched in 11 languages, Just Say Hello reflects the city’s rich cultural diversity and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and connection.
"As Los Angeles' gateway to the world, the Port is honored to support Just Say Hello. Small acts like a simple greeting can have a powerful ripple effect in fostering stronger, more connected communities," said Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles.
A Simple Gesture with a Big Impact
The campaign will launch initially in the following eleven languages:
- Russian: Привет (Privet)
- Simplified Chinese: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
- Traditional Chinese: 你好 (Nǐ hǎo)
- Korean: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)
- Spanish: Hola
- Croatian: Pozdrav zdravo
- Italian: Ciao
- Japanese: こんにちは (Konnichiwa)
- Thai: สวัสดี (S̄wạs̄dī)
- Cambodian (Khmer): សួស្តី (Suŏ sdei)
- Vietnamese: Xin chào
- English: Hello
About LA Civil Rights
The Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (LA Civil Rights) is dedicated to advancing equity, opportunity, and empowerment for all Angelenos by tackling systemic racism, addressing injustices, and promoting diversity in the city. Learn more at LAisForEveryone.com
--
Join the Movement - Take the first step in fostering inclusivity — Just Say Hello. Visit JustSayHello.org to learn more, and join the conversation on social media by tagging @LACivilRights and using the hashtag #JustSayHelloLA. Questions? Email hello@lacity.org
Join us today by saying hello to someone new, and help build a more inclusive Los Angeles.
Both LA For All and Just Say Hello campaigns' vibrant artwork were created by award-winning designer Masaki Koike of Phyx Design to reflect the unique yet cohesive spirit of our community.
Photos available upon request.
###