Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
South Pasadena Students' Push For A Mural Recognizing Black Figures Delayed By City Council
A portion of the proposed mural.
(
Courtesy Zach Brown
)
A group of high school students has spent close to two years working on getting a mural honoring Black figures in South Pasadena's Orange Grove Park. Their effort, however, has hit another roadblock.
On Wednesday, the South Pasadena City Council tabled the project until it can get a citywide public art policy in place. That could take at least a year, according to officials.
South Pasadena wants to ensure the approval process is "fair and equitable, said Deputy City Manager Dominica Megerdichian.
"This is just ensuring that we have a process of moving forward so that any requests that come forward in the future can also be processed in that same way," she said.
Support for LAist comes from
South Pasadena High's Anti-Bias Club helped launch the mural project after Minneapolis police killed George Floyd.
Anti-Bias Club member Noah Kuhn, a senior, said he's "frustrated and upset" that the project likely won't be completed before he graduates in June.
L.A. artist Zach Brown's conception of the mural features numerous prominent Black Americans, including Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Langston Hughes and many more.
One portion portrays the sun, a reminder that South Pasadena used to be a "sundown town" — meaning Blacks were not allowed on the streets after dark.
The students want to place the mural in Orange Grove Park to mark a particular chapter in the city's racist history. The park was once home to a public pool known as the Plunge. After being denied entry, Susan McClain, a Black girl, sued the city in 1955. The city claimed she was turned away because she didn't live in South Pasadena, and ultimately prevailed in court.
"We want the city to reflect on its history of racism, and we want the city to work together and unite to further anti-racism," Kuhn said.
The postponement of the mural project comes after the city council adopted a resolution condemning "past practices of institutionalized racism." The city's pledge calls for hiring diverse musicians to play at public parks, staff to attend diversity and equity training, and more.
Support for LAist comes from
While frustrated by the delay, Kuhn vowed to "see this project to completion."
The students are now looking for a private property owner who might be willing to host the mural.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The new ordinance applies to certain grocers operating in the city and has led to some self-checkout lanes to shutter. -
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500 -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown. -
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding.
Best of LAist