WHO WE ARE

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

Historical Background

In the wake of the so-called "Los Angeles Riots," which occurred during the long hot summer of 1965 primarily in Watts, California's then Governor Edmund "Pat" Brown appointed a commission to analyze the conditions that prompted a horrific spasm of violence that spanned six days and nights, and to recommend steps that needed to be taken in an effort to prevent such a crisis from ever happening again.

When the group, which was headed by John A. McCone, rendered its report in December of that year, among other things its members urged the immediate creation of a City Human Relations Commission that would be: "Endowed with clear cut responsibilities, properly staffed and adequately funded."

They continued: "We envision a commission composed of a chairman and six members with special competence in the fields of research, employment, housing, education, law, youth problems and community organization."

It was their recommendation that: "This City Commission should develop comprehensive educational programs designed to enlist the cooperation of all groups, both public and private, in eliminating prejudice and discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodations."

Implementation of What The McCone Commission Proposed

In January of 1966, the Human Relations Commission of the City of Los Angeles came into being. Its mandate - according to the City's Charter - is to: "Assist in assuring to all people the opportunity for full and equal welfare and safety of all residents in the Los Angeles community through activities and programs designed to reduce discrimination, tension, and violence, and to advance improved intergroup relations. The Commission supports efforts to create a city free of racism and violence where residents may live and work in an environment of respect, mutual tolerance, and human diversity."