lasfotosproject

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Desiree Montoya, age 18 Boyle Heights

"After a Long Day"

This image was taken in Boyle Heights on Cesar Chavez St where local musicians go to rest after a long day of performing in local businesses and restaurants. Most musicians that meet here have been performing since before I was born and are well known and loved by the community. I would hate to see that taken away from them.

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Desiree Montoya, age 18 South LA

"Changes"

These men have lived in South LA for most or all their lives. They shared with us the huge changes their community has recently gone through to satisfy newcomers, but they still manage to keep their community bond.

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Mary Reyes, age 17 South LA

"Facts and Figures"

South LA is the Future March - The young girl is holding up a sign that reads “Free the US 2.3 million” which is a reference to the approximate number of people who are currently incarcerated in our country. Folks of color are often criminalized due to their socioeconomic status and the system that is deemed against us.

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Marisabel Perez, age 17 Boyle Heights

"Mujer Poderosa" (Mariachi Plaza)

I met this woman during an outing. She demonstrated a lot of confidence in herself and her profession. After interviewing and spending some time with her, she opened up about her hardships and told us that finding work was becoming more and more difficult. One thing that struck me was when she told us, “yo soy fuerte y encontraré un trabajo hoy.” She showed and voiced her strength as a woman and her will to pursue her dreams.

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Desiree Montoya, age 18 South LA

"South LA is the Future of Love"

“South LA is the future of love,” reads a sign in all caps in the back window of one of many colorful lowriders that cruised the streets of South LA during the Future Fest, a community march marking the 25th anniversary of the L.A. Riots and organized with the purpose of remembering the past and looking to the future.

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Britney Alvarez, age 16 South LA

"Happy Dance"

During the march in South LA, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the L.A. Riots, there was a young boy dancing and entertaining a crowd of people. This photo represents emotions that are opposite from those felt during the riots. His personality gives off a feeling of happiness that is contagious. His dancing showed acceptance and pride in his community and was his was of celebrating the future of South Los Angeles.

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Britney Alvarez, age 16 South LA

"Dreaming"

We were walking through the neighborhood during the 25th anniversary of the LA riots march and I noticed her. Out of everyone there she stood out in her white dress. The flags behind her that gave the image of the “American Dream” caught my attention. What this image represents to me is a strong woman standing in front of two American flags showing pride in herself.

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Michelle Serratos, age 16 Boyle Heights

"Targets"

Small businesses are often targeted when Gentrification occurs.

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Michelle Serratos, age 16 Boyle Heights

"Little Pleasures"

Most people might see a storefront and think of it as just another business, but there is true value in its ability to shape a community. This businesses and others like it serve as a home away from home. They often embody the culture of the community and provide a space to engage with neighbors. I wouldn’t recognize my home town if all these businesses were displaced, and replaced by chain restaurants. These small business are what make Boyle Heights, Boyle Heights.

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Michelle Serratos, age 16 Boyle Heights

"Warning Signs"

Boyle Heights is a community known for standing up for justice and protesting unfair practices. Families are aware of the lack of support they have from representatives so they take initiative by protesting unfair rent increases. If they don’t speak up for themselves, who will? The struggles of the neighborhood give us the opportunity to come together as one, to demonstrate that our voices matter and that ultimately we matter. Aqui estamos, y no nos vamos (we are here and we aren’t leaving). Homes, not houses!

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Mary Reyes, age 17 Boyle Heights

"America"

This shop is no longer in business. It is ironic that it has an American flag projected out for everyone in the surrounding community of predominantly brown folks, prideful of their homelands, to see.

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Marisabel Perez, age 17 South LA

"Follow the Promise Land"

This photograph was taken after the L.A. Riots’ 25th Anniversary March in South L.A. This church had phrases such as “GOD” and “THE PROMISE LAND,” posted, however, the church was abandoned so it contradicted the idea of this promised land in a community heavily stereotyped by drugs, gangs, and violence.

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Kalani Ball, age 15 Northeast LA

"Spiritual and Cultural Identity"

The mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the wall of a floral shop in Highland Park speaks to the spiritual and cultural identity of the community which faces the danger of being whitewashed by gentrification.

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Kalani Ball, age 15 Northeast LA

"Taco Truck"

Food, the essence of culture, is particular to the people of the region. With all of the new coffee shops and trendy restaurants creeping in, taco trucks seem to be surviving the transition.

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Kalani Ball, age 15 Northeast LA

"Culture and Sky"

Murals are the voice of the people and represent the historical and cultural aspect of the neighborhood. Blue skies and pain can be whitewashed as gentrification spreads.

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Emaly Escobar, age 16 Boyle Heights

"Espacio"

Espacio 1839 is located in Boyle Heights. It’s a place I feel comfortable going to because they sell a lot of inspiring things and products that empower brown women. Usually, stores in LA do not carry anything having to do with Boyle Heights or empowering female figures like Frida Kahlo, but I know can go to Espacio to get that for myself.

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Arianna Romero, age 16 Boyle Heights

"Jobs Not Jails"

Homeboy Industries is helping to fade the Latino stereotype of our men being gangsters and prisoners.