Exploring Chicago

The most interesting thing i found while searching my nieghborhood was this mural


It is in a similar style to other murals in chicago during the time period. Bright color, simplified, echo’s of Rivera and the 60’s.
The date for the original painting of this mural, ‘Together we overcome’ is 1971. There was a restoration in 1974 and another one in 2004. The mural looks to be in pretty good shape. It’s almost a little hesitant/too simple compared to other murals that were made later on in city.
The Goal of this was to encourage unity between the Latino community and the African American community. On the foremost flag blazes the word “UNITY”, and on the second one “JUSTICE”. There is also a picketer with the words “HOUSING IS STILL THE ISSUE”. In the center is a Latino hand clasping an African American hand. Above this are the words, “TOGETHER WE OVERCOME”.
The mural is five blocks away from where I live. It’s an area of dog walkers, baby strollers, and joggers. I was initially surprised to see knifes and guns gracing a mural in an area I felt very safe in. Most people I pass are young hipsters. There are a lot of expensive shops. Across the street from the mural is an Organic certified pizza restaurant.
Knifes, guns, gangs, protests, and a need for the community to unite are not very common in this area anymore. Upscale shopping is.
Upon further reading, when the restoration happened in 2004, many people who had been living there for decades came and shared stories with the artists, and gave thanks for the preservation of the history of the area. It seems out of place due to gentrification, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be there. I felt guilty standing in front of it and would feel even more crummy if it was painted over with a mural of people shopping and eating over priced pizza.
Housing is still the issue. When the landlords realize that people will pay more to be in an up and coming neighborhood, the current tenants are replaced by ones who can afford the up and coming price. I wondered about the history of my apartment, who lived there in years past? What was the neighborhood like? Did the Latinos and African Americans in the area truly unite within the community? I believe this mural is successful because it’s a reminder of history, A reminder to unite under injustice, it made me think, and even though i don't think the original was done completely by 'professional artists', i think it was skillfully crafted.