We at Future Leaders of America are appalled by the racist statements and abhorrent actions made by members of the Los Angeles City Council and the L.A. County Federation of Labor president. Anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, and anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments have no place in our society, especially in institutions representing our communities. These individuals should be held accountable for their actions and resign immediately.
While actions like these work to divide us, now is the time to come together and build solidarity amongst communities of color and hold those in office accountable. When we hear hate speech in any form, we must stand up and challenge it and lead by example, no matter how difficult it may be.
For over 40 years, Future Leaders of America has dedicated its mission to Latinx youth leadership development. As such, we are committed to combating anti-Blackness and anti-Indigenous sentiments within our own communities and to fight toward systemic change that enables our communities to thrive.