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LINCOLN HEIGHTS: AN EASTSIDE RENAISSANCE
LINCOLN HEIGHTS: AN EASTSIDE RENAISSANCE- Excerpt from a forthcoming book
by embedded journalist S. Naphtali. Published exclusively by Digital Aztlan
Multimedia and brought to you via BrownPride.com, read the expozay of a
blossoming spirit of cultura in these war-torn streets on the upper-eastside of
Los Angeles... 90031 Stand Up!
Lincoln Heights really is a borough of the city that lies on the east bank
of the L.A. River. It is bordered by Highland Park on the north, El
Sereno on the east and Boyle Heights on the south. It is home to many
gangs including: East Side Clover, The Eastlake Boys, Lincoln Heights
Gang, Happy Valley, Rose Hills, The Avenues, and East Side 18 Street (If I
failed to mention anybody, don't get all upset or feel disrespected
because I'm writing this pretty fast and I have a lot to say). Understand
that many young people have killed and died for these neighborhoods
throughout the years and thousands are locked away behind bars- some may
never see the streets again. Now, I'm not saying anything that the cops don't
already know. And don't think that I'm trying to get anyone in trouble
(especially yours truly). But I am giving the people a backround on the
place where we live. It's where we come from.
Since none of the gangs get along, they are all enemies of each other.
This is a reflection of our society; just one fragment in this
corner of the city. But isn't this happening in other places? An actual
social epidemic passed through here in the 1990's and many of our loved
ones were wiped away violently. After the dust settled, we learned it was
because our neighborhood was at the bottom of the Reaganomics totem-pole.
Even before the Iran/Contra scandal was pardoned, high-ranking members of
our own government agency "trickled-down" drugs to these streets and
prepared to build the prison industrial complex. That's why I'm not
surprised this nation is attacking peoples in other countries: look at
what it did to its own people in the ghettos. The turn of this century put
everyone in a world war on terrorism. Now it's clear why the local police
department legally termed these gangs street-terrorists, long ago. We grew
up on the frontlines of war even before Sept. 11, 2001. But that was
definitely the turning point. It criminalized a segment of it's citizenry
and was the end of constitutional rights (if they ever existed) for us.
The residents of 90031, just like every other place, are concerned about
the well-being of the area. Of course, we want what's best for our
community. We want safe parks and peaceful schools. Stable work and
reasonable prices. Families flourish under this kind of prosperity. But an
old friend once told me, "For every man that wants peace- two want war."
Even Washington D.C. and Sacramento can understand that concept (what with
funding a trillion-dollar-war and all). Some people just don't want to let
go of violence.
On the other hand...
The real Lincoln Park is located in the neighborhood and has proven to be
a source of healthy recreation for generations. Decades ago, the park was
officially named: La Plaza de La Raza. It was dedicated to cultivating
cultural seeds in the hearts and minds of the people, and engrained
Mexican tradition in the community. From the Danza Azteca to Musico
Folklorico the park provided the earth to stay rooted. And every athletic
sport is exercised in this place: swimming, tennis, futbol, baseball,
volleyball, skateboarding, boxing, weights, gymnastic rings. The gym is
even home to a junior league championship-winning basketball team. Out on
the grass, you can pitch horse-shoes or play cards with the older men.
Maybe engage in an intellectual game of chess (the Game of Kings) on the
tables. There is something for everyone. An option for everybody. You know
what I mean? The City stocks the lake with fish every year for the derby.
Tagged fish win prizes!
B
(This piece is dedicated to Uncle Ernie Diaz [r.i.p.] 1957-2004)
Big Bobby "Babo" Castillo, the Hometown Boy that pitched for the Los Angeles
Dodgers, still comes down to the neighborhood Christmas parade. A living
proof that staying focused and in hot pursuit of your dreams- can achieve
success. Look at him, the professional baseball player that came from here
to pitch for the 1981 World Championships Dodgers. Que si se puede. Yes we can...
Consider this, a trap avoided is not easily fallen into. Even amidst the feuds
during his times, he still rose to stardom by dedicating himself to his
sport.
As an alternative to crime, few outlets are as effective as music and art.
This is especially true for the youth. Fortunately, we have a center where
these expressions could be practiced and refined. A dedicated group of
positive-thinkers provide the venue for performances. Not only for locals,
but for underground artists from all over the place. We are proud that the
"Kasil Gallery" is located here, and are grateful to the people that make
it happen.
To be continued...
Click here for "BUSKANDO" by Cafe Con Tequila (local ska band rocking
this scene and others) - Right Click and Save
Cafe Con Tequila on Myspace
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