By Marcus McKinney, Government Partnerships & Strategic Initiative Senior Advisor
Dear Los Angeles,
You are a place I’m proud to call home. A city unlike any other—where hope flickers like the city lights against the backdrop of a myriad of cultures. You are a beacon of resilience, a tapestry woven from countless narratives, each thread contributing to the colorful mosaic that makes up our shared identity. Though your allure often draws the gaze of the world, we must remind ourselves that your essence is found not just in the glitz of Hollywood or the sprawling beaches, but in the grit, love, and unwavering spirit of your residents.
When the name “Los Angeles” is uttered, many conjure up images shaped by Hollywood’s lens—a lens that often fixates on violence or gang culture. But these portrayals fail to fully capture the complex resilience that runs through your streets. It is this determination, steeped in pride and hard work, that fuels our local economy, creativity, and vibrant culture. Whether it’s the wafting aroma of bacon wrapped hot dogs with onions on the grill from street vendors or the vivid storytelling from graffiti artists, there’s an energy here unlike any other. Each bustling neighborhood pulses with the harmony of a diverse community, from the roaring engines of dressed-up motorcycle clubs to the melodic beats from lowrider bikes cruising by.
Yet, despite the vibrancy, we cannot overlook your struggles. The misguided “war on drugs” left deep scars on our neighborhoods, sowing discord through over-policing, military tactics, and racial profiling. Families were torn apart in operations that unjustly targeted the homes of everyday Angelenos, often painted as gang strongholds by a narrative that missed the truth. We’ve witnessed the churning unrest in our streets—the echoes of the Watts Riots, the outrage following Rodney King’s beating, the powerful protests ignited by the murder of George Floyd. These moments of resistance reflect a hunger for systemic change—a change many of us have long desired, yet often felt ignored.
Over time, such unrest from Angelenos spawned significant change, including the retirement of former Police Chief Darryl Gates, who was known for advocating military-like tactics in the war on drugs. This shift marked the end of the widespread and frequent use of battering rams and military equipment by LAPD. Today, the vehicles are rarely used, except for the occasional trip to keep the battery from dying.
Indeed, our city has borne witness to collective cries for justice and equity. Landmark movements like the Chicano Walkouts (Blowouts) in the ‘60s showcased our strength as youth advocated for better educational conditions. As Angelenos, we united to repeal Proposition 187, a 1994 ballot initiative that sought to deny undocumented immigrants access to services like healthcare and public education. While we came together to challenge policies that sought to divide us, some echoes of oppression linger still. The same military-style tactics that once targeted marginalized communities now extend to immigrant populations, disproportionately impacting our Black and Brown neighbors.
Earlier this year, indiscriminate ICE raids across the city sparked a period of political and social unrest. During this time, I felt a surge of unity as folks protested the deployment of federal troops who descended on the city following weeks of false narratives about immigration and crime. The LAPD, caught in the crosshairs of political complexity, was pulled between following federal orders and protecting its own community—a position that only results in heightened tensions. The escalating unrest underscored our city’s battles, but it also reflects the resilience of Angelenos. The courts ordered an end to such measures, but we already knew our collective voice matters. Court decisions can be fickle, especially in our current climate, but the will of the people is unwavering. If our city is targeted again, Angelenos will stand united once more.
As we continue to resist, we must advocate for progress and unity among Black and Brown communities. Los Angeles County has the largest Black immigrant population in California, and the shared struggles of our communities heighten our collective stakes in the face of injustice. Stories of barber shops locking their doors in solidarity against ICE raids are testaments to our resilience and commitment to mutual support.
At the Center for Policing Equity, we stand in solidarity with communities in advocating for essential complimentary sanctuary policies. We aim to create enforceable standards that protect our neighborhoods from undue collaboration with federal agencies, ensuring local law enforcement earns its legitimacy in our eyes.
No one should become a sacrificial lamb in the pursuit of change. The struggles we’ve faced, both historical and ongoing, offer vital lessons. Our government must heed these calls for change before tensions reach a boiling point. Los Angeles was ground zero for what has come and what may come. Cities like D.C. and Memphis (and potentially Chicago and New Orleans) have experienced similar federal troop deployments. Los Angeles serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. Transformative conditions aren’t merely wished for; they are demanded by passionate residents and dedicated leaders alike.
Los Angeles, your story is still being written. We are our authors, penning an ongoing narrative of hope, resistance, and revolutionary change. In your sun-soaked streets, we see our future—a future built on love, equity, and unity.
With unwavering affection,
Marcus McKinney
Center for Policing Equity
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