1987 Unity Newspaper Volume 10 Number 16, November 16

Reflections on El Mural de Esperanza Mural of Hope

Mercedes Jauregui

Contributed

I don’t know who did this painting, nor whose idea it was — what I do know is that it is a true work of art that encloses a sad but also brave reality about our people.

Our people who valiantly cross the border putting everything aside. Some­ times risking life itself, they are worthy of respect despite the humiliation. It is a premeditated action to come to this coun­try with the hope of doing a little better. In reality they are treated as intruders and violators of the law. Is this the land of liberty under God? I don’t know. What I do know is that this painting is very valuable. I see in it the growing unity of our people in a massive movement which struggles humanely against the rash actions that threaten to separate our families, working people who pick the harvest early in the morning.

"The Mural of Hope," newlypainted in Los Angeles, is acollage of immigrant struggles.It was painted by the MexicanInstitute of Fine Arts on thewall of the One Stop Immi­gration office on the cornerof Whittier and Esperanzastreets. It is public art for thepeople, inspiring hope during atime of intense struggle for immigrant rights.
“The Mural of Hope,” newly painted in Los Angeles, is a collage of immigrant struggles.It was painted by the Mexican Institute of Fine Arts on the wall of the One Stop Immi­gration office on the corner of Whittier and Esperanza streets. It is public art for the people, inspiring hope during a time of intense struggle for immigrant rights.
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Mercedes Jauregui came here from Mexico 15 years ago. She is a tenant at the Maravilla Housing Projects and is active in fighting evictions of undocumented.
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