2 minutes read
Retrace 20,000 years of California history with one of the largest murals in the world. Lace your shoes to walk through major events defining the state and our beloved city.
The Great Wall Project
One of the longest murals in the world stretches over 2,754 feet long and 13.5 feet high on the west wall of the Tujunga Flood Control Channel.
Led by Chicana muralist Judith F. Baca, this artistic project was completed in 1984. It gathered 400 young mural makers and 35 artists.
Judith F. Baca mentioned that: “Perhaps most overwhelming to me about the Great Wall experience has been learning of the courage of individuals in history who endured, spoke out, and overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It was true both of the people we painted about and of ourselves the Mural Makers.”
Source: https://www.judybaca.com/art/great-wall-of-los-angeles-1974-present/
NEW! New chapter for The Great Wall of Los Angeles. Artist Judy Baca has been creating a mile of narrative from the 1950s to the twenty-first century. Transformed into a studio, the LACMA is housing two sections of the mural (on view through June 2, 2024).
About the Mural
The mural is segmented into six chronological sections focusing on 86 events. It starts with 20,000 BC prehistoric California, continues with Native American Chumash in Los Angeles in 1,000 A.D., and ends with 1934-1984 Olympic Champions.
It depicts main events in California and Los Angeles, focusing on people and communities, and emphasizing important themes like immigration, civil rights, and women’s rights.
My Highlights
Focusing on immigrants and communities, this mural reveals some histories of Los Angeles and California.
The deportation of Mexican Americans in 1930.
During the Great Depression (1929-1939), California deported more than 400,000 Mexican Americans, among which 60% of American citizens. Accused of taking jobs, Mexican descent were detained and exiled to Mexico. The most infamous raid in Los Angeles occurred in 1931 when Federal agents caught and held 400 people in Olvera Street.
Biddy Mason (1818-1891) – designed by Ulysses Jenkins
Born into slavery in Georgia, Biddy Mason was brought to Southern California in 1851 by slaveholder Robert Mays Smith. California was a free state. Biddy challenged Robert, and the Los Angeles Court emancipated her family and herself in 1856.
Midwife and nurse, she prospered by buying multiple properties and land across Los Angeles. She was the first African American woman landlord and the wealthier in the city. Her fortune was estimated to be $3 million.
Philanthropist, she donated to the poor, churches, and charities, and earned the nickname of Grandma Mason.
Based on my visit on February 2023
Ready to visit the Great Wall of Los Angeles?
Plan your visit:
- Location: The Great Wall of Los Angeles, 12900 Oxnard St, Valley Glen, CA 91606
- Hours: 24/7.
- Admission: Free
- Duration: I spent 30 minutes discovering it
- Parking: unmetered street parking
- More information is available at https://www.nps.gov/places/great-wall-of-los-angeles.htm
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