Hate Crimes
Amplifying Resilience: Allies Must Get Loud Against Hate.
Lauri Carleton was a vital member of my community.
I’m sitting on my bed, early morning, before the sun and the neighbor’s yappy dog awaken, before storm clouds move in. I’m tracking Hurricane Hilary’s path from Mexico to my home in Los Angeles. Cool. I’m in the “high risk of flooding” zone.
I open Instagram and see a post and I gasp. No. This cannot be. Lauri Carleton, a woman I know, the owner of a beloved local shop, MagPi, has been shot and killed at her Lake Arrowhead store. For refusing to take down a Pride flag. By a 27 year old man.
I am sick. Last night, I wore pants I bought from Lauri — the last time I saw her, shopped in her store — an institution in my community. Studio City, a tiny gem within LA’s urban sprawl. Some of her children attended the same school as my kids.
This cannot be true.
Shaking, I text friends and conversations begin. Hate has come to our home. Not the first time, I’m sure, but this is the first person I know murdered for standing up for what is right and good in this world.
We cannot be afraid. We must get louder in Lauri’s honor.
