Post submitted by HRC-Los Angeles Steering Committee Member Brian Lawrence

Last weekend, HRC-Los Angeles joined nearly 100 people at the United4Love2 rally at the Upland Memorial Park. The gathering, billed as a resistance rally, was organized by the Defend Movement in collaboration with Not in Our Town and was held in Upland. 

Reverend Felicia Parazaider opened the day with a blessing for all attendees and rally organizer Crystal Keshawarz then delivered a welcome message. In addition to a live DJ and freshly-made Afghan food fare, speakers from every avenue of life – from a Teamsters representative to local political activists, and Black Lives Matter to concerned residents – delivered messages of positivity, resiliency, resolve and resistance. Groups of rally-goers stood along Foothill Blvd, a major thoroughfare that abutted the Memorial Park, and waved signs and flags and were greeted by the sound of car horns blaring in agreement.  

Throughout the event, HRC’s iconic equality logo-emblazoned flag was presented proudly and was welcomed by all attendees. Especially pleased to see HRC-Los Angeles’ presence was Joshua, a Jewish-American student accompanied and his mother, who was wearing an HRC t-shirt.

Many in Upland, like Josh, were eager to participate at a rally closer to home. The day was a success as people came together as one, testifying their truths to amplify marginalized voices and to truly express what it meant to be #united4love.