#cityrising

[guenthergroup]

Giving thanks for spectacular fall weather... and no traffic at the moment. . . *** #deadahead #cityrising #seattle #magichour #notraffic #skyline #cityscape #notraffic (at Seattle, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqdzl_3HZmx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vdw8tw93z5sr

[lasfotosproject]

Kalani Ball, age 15 Boyle Heights

"Illuminate"

The El Mercadito in Boyle Heights is unique to the community it serves. This photo speaks to a cultural tradition jeopardized by gentrification.

[lasfotosproject]

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.

[lasfotosproject]

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.

[lasfotosproject]

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.

[lasfotosproject]

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.

[lasfotosproject]

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.

[lasfotosproject]

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.