Chicano Mural Movement—In the 1970s, residents in Boyle Heights marched on streets and complained about social inequality. Local artists used murals to communicate community concerns.
At the corner of Bailey and 1st Streets, a night bar has been standing in Boyle Heights since 1972.
About 90 murals were created in Boyle Heights during the protest. Many served as a way to expressed community concerns about gang violence, poverty and immigration.
At the corner of Bailey and 1st Streets, there stood the first Chicano music store. The owner, 64, opened the store when he was 30 years old.
In 1986, Pan American Bank opened to serve the community as the first finance institution in the U.S history run by Mexican Americans.
About 20 murals were created in the 1990s as celebrations of the 20th anniversary of Chicano Movement.
The popularity of graffiti-style murals has grown significantly as murals changed among younger generations. Many historic works were neglected. Some suffer from constant vandalism and whitewashing, and their rich history disappeared.
Murals have changed dramatically in styles, techniques and even locations. Many artists sought to broaden their identity by combining indigenous symbols with elements from the current culture.
In December 2011, the city released a mural ordinance that allowed artists to legally paint the walls on private commercial property.
In November 2013, nine artists descended on Boyle Heights's East 1st Street to paint murals on the drab gray utility boxes that line the street.
