Los Angeles is one of the most diverse and vibrant immigrant hubs in the country. In fact, one in every three L.A. city residents is foreign-born, and over half of us speak a language other than English at home.
This weekend, the Los Angeles community shows strength in endless ways throughout our neighborhoods. Consider supporting and patronizing some of L.A.’s immigrant-owned businesses in the city’s most deeply-rooted neighborhoods, including Westlake, Koreatown, Pico Union, Boyle Heights, Harvard Heights, Arlington Heights, Monterey Park, Cerritos, Little Tokyo, Little Armenia, Little Ethiopia, and countless others.
Small businesses offering community spaces in L.A.
- Mariachi Bakery – Enjoy exquisite pan dulce and Mexican pastries at this community-centered bakery and coffee shop.
- Common Space Brewery – This award-winning brewery and beer garden is donating a portion of Friday’s sales to the ACLU.
- Limedrop – Purchase aguas frescas and ice cream, and a portion of Friday’s proceeds will be donated to the Coalition of Human Rights
- Los Angelitos Bakery – Pick up some of the most creative and colorful conchas in the city.
- Pana’s Cafe – Connect with the community at Pana’s Cafe and sip on lattes with creative flavors like mazapán and tiramisu.
- Fan Girl Cafe – Fuel up and make some art at this hub for great coffee and music.
- Vroman’s Bookstore – The event space at Vroman’s has been set up as a community gathering area where guests can read, rest, and connect in Pasadena.
- Vidiots – All movie screenings, popcorn, and video rentals will be free for the public on Friday, Jan. 30.
- American Cinematheque – On Jan. 30th, guests can enjoy free admission to Something Wild at Aero Theatre, and Horse Feathers and The Killing of a Chinese Bookie at Los Feliz 3.
- WalkGood LA – Run for the community on Saturday, January 31st, at the WalkGood Yard. See more run clubs in L.A. here.
- Book Clubs – From the Children’s Bilingual Book Club in Whittier to the LGBTQ+ Book Club in WeHo, here is a list of L.A. book clubs that are worth looking into for some community connection. L.A. Public Library and L.A. County Library both have fantastic community literature resources as well, many of which are available online.
- Lunar New Year Night market in Koreatown – On Jan. 31st from 3-6pm, join the Lunar New Year festivities at the Koreatown Plaza.
Community organizing and nonprofits
Los Angeles has a strong backbone of passionate community nonprofit organizations whose resources have been crucial for tens of thousands in our community. Whether you want to donate, find volunteer opportunities, or seek out upcoming events, here are some organizations to look into.
- Mutual Aid LA Network – An information hub that aggregates useful mutual aid resources for the public to navigate according to their needs.
- LA Regional Food Bank – Since 1973, the Food Bank has fought hunger in our communities by providing essential food and groceries to those who are food-insecure.
- YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles – The YMCA has long been an essential community hub providing food distribution, emergency childcare, direct crisis assistance, youth resources, and more.
- Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project – A nonprofit legal organization that provides free and low-cost legal representation for immigrants facing deportation.
- CHIRLA (Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles) – An L.A.-based nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees.
- ÓRALE (Organizing Rooted in Abolition, Liberation, and Empowerment) – An immigrant-led Long Beach organization that works to end the criminalization of immigrants through rapid response, legal support, and advocacy.
- International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA) – An L.A. nonprofit that provides legal assistance, job support, childcare, and more to immigrants, refugees, and human trafficking victims.
- No Us Without You LA – A food distribution organization that provides free food to undocumented hospitality workers who are excluded from government aid.