New “Come walk with me” mural in El Monte honors Latino community
Late last month, LA vs. Hate, the self-desribed “community-based system” launched by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations in 2020, revealed a new mural celebrating the Latino communities of Southern California. LA vs. Hate was created by the county to track hate crimes and incidents and offer support to victims of hate.
The mural is located in El Monte and was part of the city campaign called “Summer of Solidarity,” a public art series that celebrates the diversity of LA and unity against prejudice and discrimination.
The mural titled “Come Walk with Me” was painted by Kiara Aileen Machado, a self-described contemporary artist born in Lynwood. Machaso obtained her bachelor’s degree in painting and drawing from California State University Long Beach. She told CALÓ NEWS that her art explores the structures and liberation of identity, femininity and culture. Her artwork has been seen in museums across the United States, including the South Gate Museum (California), Buckham Gallery (Michigan), Dupont Underground (Washington DC), John and Geraldine Lilley Museum (Nevada), and the UCF Art Gallery (Florida).
El Monte
The city of El Monte has one of the highest Latino populations, with 72 percent of the city being Latino and 18 percent Asian. “This beautiful mural reflects the vibrant and diverse communities and cultures that call El Monte home,” said El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona.
The experiences and voices of the Latino community took center stage when it came to the design of the mural. Workshops were hosted with the El Monte community to guide the exploration of Latino identity.
Machado said that the different images that make up the mural all represent, in one way or another, a key metaphor that emerged from the workshops. “The unity and affection of El Monte is like the sweetness of “pan dulce” and the warmth of “tamalitos” from Valley Mall,” she said.
A mural for Latinos
“This mural is a journey through the El Monte community that is inspired by past and present stories of culture, unity and pride,” Machado said.
With this metaphor in mind, the artist conveyed some of the things brought to her by the Latino community—what they wanted to see and the messages they wanted to convey to Latinos and other people who would come across the mural. Images of culturally relevant foods like “pan dulce” and Chinese mooncakes, as well as corn, fruit and banana leaf-wrapped tamales, are painted on the left side of the mural. Mexican, Central American and Asian communities that call El Monte home are also represented in a children’s playground depiction.
Symbolizing comfort and unity, the mural also depicts two older women exchanging a hug. In the center of the mural, a rainbow tent represents local farmers market vendors. As one’s eyes move throughout the mural, the rainbow tent becomes the dress of a drag performer. In the background, people are holding signs that evoke the memory of El Monte’s historic unity against hate.
The mural was created in partnership with Latino-driven organizations such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), as well as Ancona and the offices of LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, who has been an ongoing advocate for Latinos and anti-hate initiatives.
Solis, who resides in the city of El Monte, was present at the mural unveiling ceremony. “I am proud to join today’s mural unveiling and reinforce my continued call on hate having no place here or anywhere in our County,” Solis said. “It is truly thrilling to see our community of El Monte coming together to celebrate an impactful artwork that speaks to our diversity and to prove that there is strength and beauty in it.”
