Los Angeles, CA – Nestled along Crenshaw Boulevard from 50th to 52nd street, the Crenshaw Mural of African-American Progress, also known as the “Great Wall of Crenshaw,” has stood witness to decades of history, activism, and cultural expression. Originally painted by the graffiti collective “Rocking the Nation” about 20 years ago, the wall has a rich heritage dating back several decades.
Spanning an impressive 800 feet, the Great Crenshaw Wall incorporates historical moments and icons from Black history, making it a cornerstone of cultural significance. This landmark has been a canvas for various murals celebrating Black history, music, politics, and culture since the 1970s.
Having weathered the storms of segregation, civil rights movements, the Black Power era, and the challenges of contemporary times, the wall had become a faded icon by 2000. However, the narrative took a turn when the South Central Graffiti artists known as RTN (Rocking The Nation) took matters into their own hands.
In 2001, against financial odds and without city permission, 12 Black artists from RTN breathed new life into the Crenshaw Wall, creating an African-American History timeline on a concrete canvas. Known as “Our Mighty Contribution,” the mural became a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Black Los Angeles community.
Fast forward to the present, the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission has greenlit the refurbishment project as part of Destination Crenshaw’s $100-million public art initiative in the 8th District. The project, set to be completed by February 2024, will see the RTN Crew, the same artists behind the iconic 2001 mural, crafting a fresh, new, masterpiece on the wall.
This structural refurbishment, coupled with the assistance of Destination Crenshaw, promises a spectacular transformation for the “Our Mighty Contribution” mural. The upcoming revitalization, featuring not only a new mural but also a deck, aligns with the grand opening celebration of Destination Crenshaw.
In 2018, Four swastikas were spray painted over the faces of four Black Panthers featured in the mural (CNN).
Read More: Black Panthers mural in Los Angeles defaced with swastikas
