This historical landmark located within the Boyle Heights community of East Los Angeles, California, is home to some of the City of Angels' most authentic artwork. Well known for the murals that wrap its walls, the art speaks strong cultural presence that is true to the roots and still respected at every level of the streets. Whether you're on the corner of Lorena and Olympic, or watching a music video, there's a great chance that you've already seen these masterpieces, but now you'll know who painted them, what they stand for and when they were created.
These works of art not only represent art, but a culture and a race that has strong roots and artistic ties, which date back to the days of the Mayans. In short, each of these pieces tells a story and brags of a history that will forever be etched in the side of the Estrada Courts, or at least we hope so.
You see, Estrada Courts has been the center of much drama as the Los Angeles Housing Authority has been eyeballing the Estrada Courts (as well as other well-known public housing communities like Rancho San Pedro and Nickerson Gardens). Under the funding regulations of HUD's Hope VI program, they were planning on demolishing public housing only to rebuild new developments at a fraction of the number of units.
While the on-going fight has received little media attention, we can say that the art on these walls is too sacred and the history too important to be overlooked and passed up in exchange for new architecture with no roots, no history and no preservation of what Los Angeles is all really about. It's art. Appreciate it. Respect it. Preserve it.