Vigilant Love was founded in 2015 in response to Islamophobic violence, anti-refugee racism and rising right-wing extremism.
The organization brought together a multiethnic, multifaith and spiritual community in Los Angeles to challenge structural Islamophobia and white supremacy while creating spaces for connection through art, political education and healing justice.
With Stop the Hate support, Vigilant Love launched Artist Activist Fellowships for Black, Indigenous, people of color and Muslim youth artists ages 18 to 24. The six-month fellowship provided mentorship and support, then culminated in Pathways to Resistance: Artwork of Struggle, Joy, and Resistance, a community gallery and opening exhibit attended by 100 guests.
The exhibit included oil paintings, comics, zines, film, altars, dance, archival collage, embroidery, weaving and animation. The work gave young artists a platform to tell stories of struggle, joy and resistance, reinforcing the organization’s belief that love, art and community can be powerful responses to hate. Vigilant Love closed its doors in March 2025, and remaining Stop the Hate funds were transferred to another organization
Vigilant Love on Instagram (opens in a new tab)