SWA LA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, SWA’s Los Angeles studio toured the murals of Boyle Heights, a majority Latinx and Chicanx community east of the LA River. Designers Alejandra Aguilar and Tracie Chazares led the tour, with support from Graphic Designer Paul Wehby and Office Manager Jessica Marroquin.
Over the last century, Boyle Heights has welcomed a diverse group of ethnicities that have shaped its history. This neighborhood was shaped by Jewish, Armenian, Russian, Japanese, African American, and Mexican communities, and remnants of their history can be found throughout the area in its art and murals, many of which can be found along 1st Street.
Mariachi Plaza and Musical Icons
Named for the musicians who’ve gathered in the plaza since the 1930’s seeking patrons for weddings, quinceaneras, and celebrations, this plaza has long been a symbol of Mexican American culture in the city and a place where music heritage and community intertwine.
Orale! Let’s Cruise On Over to Progression, Aye!
Completed by Artist Sergio Robleto in 2018, this mural is an homage to LA’s Chicano Mural Movement of the ‘70s and ‘80s – the artists Wayne Healy and David Botello are pictured in a car, accompanied by the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl.
The Chicano Movement, set in the 1960s, has marked the Boyle Heights community and can be identified through the art and icons reflected in its murals. The movement brought attention to the discrimination, ethnic stereotypes, and educational segregation levied against Mexican Americans and sought voting rights, educational equality, and the expansion of worker’s rights for the Chicano movement. This movement inspired leaders such as Cesar Chavez and Gloria Molina, who fostered change that impacted the Los Angeles community, and the greater state of California.
Chicano Activist Gloria Molina
Studio members toured the exhibit on the life of Gloria Molina at CASA 0101. The exterior of the building has also recently unveiled the mural dedicated to Gloria Molina, an activist, and the first Latina to serve in the CA Assembly, LA City Council, and County Board of Supervisors who fought for women’s rights and for the development of public parks on the East Side.
“This art walk provided me a lot of insight into Gloria Molina as an important figure in community resilience and representation for the disadvantaged. Her legacy in local and regional politics was quite inspiring and so warming to see the community uplift her spirit through public art.” – Chad Whiting, Landscape Designer
Acknowledgment of Current Socioeconomic Inequalities
Murals are a tool to express a message to the community to uplift and celebrate heritage and culture. Yet they are often defaced with gang-affiliated graffiti forcing owners to paint over mural art that is lost in history. Mural Conservancy Los Angles served as a vital research tool in this tour presentation.
Boyle Heights has a long history of social economic inequality. The quote “Jobs Not Jails” is not only the organization’s slogan but also conveys the mission of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world and stands as a beacon of home in Los Angeles by providing training and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated individuals allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of their community.
The Wall Las Memorias Aids Monument
In front of the mural at The Wall Las Memorias Aids Monument Boyle Heights Hub, an LGBTQIA+ resource hub, Jessica Marroquin explained the history and importance of the artwork.
“I really enjoyed viewing LA’s diverse communities represented on vibrant colored murals, and learning how Gloria Molina – Latina, American Politician, made history for having helped change the city landscape of Los Angeles” – Jessica Marroquin, Office Manager
“As a native Angelino and member of the Chicano demographic, I’m excited to be sharing lived experience and culture with others. It’s important to immerse oneself into the community and gain a deeper understanding of the spaces and people we design for.” – Tracie Chazares, Landscape Designer
“It was great to learn about the rich history of a part of LA I have not spent much time in before now.” – Elizabeth Benbrooks, Marketing Manager.
This tour was sponsored and developed through RISE, SWA’s internal committee dedicated to increasing diversity through respect, inclusivity, and social equity.
Read about SWA’s previous celebrations of National Hispanic Heritage Month here.