African American Murals

By The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

“Murals expressed reactions to the social, economic, and political condition of minorities. Because of their accessibility, murals became popular in underserved communities; they offer opportunities for youth to express themselves as an alternative to traditional art on canvas. They promote pride of cultural identity and they empower communities.From 1940-1980 numerous murals were created by African Americans in Los Angeles and they are reflected in this exhibition. Some of them no longer exist because they were destroyed or simply painted over. The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles, as part of its mission to preserve our history, will continue to research and document the rich history of artworks created by African Americans in Los Angeles from the 1940s to now." - Isabel Rojas-Williams, Executive Director, Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Beacon of Hope (2002) by Elliot PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

City of Dreams/River of History (1996) by Richard WyattThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Mafundi (1972) by Elliott PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Unity (1984) by Roderick SykesThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Duke Ellington (1976) by Charles FreemanThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Family (1970) by Roderick SykesThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Peace and Love (1976) by Elliot PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Ethnic Simplicity (1977) by Elliot & Arnold PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Learning (1978) by Charles FreemanThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Medicare 78 (1977) by Elliot PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

James and Spectators (1984) by Richard WyattThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Eyes on 84 (1984) by Alonzo DavisThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Homage to John Outterbridge (1980) by Alonzo DavisThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Untitled (1973) by Timothy WashingtonThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Tribute to the Workers (1977) by Elliot Pinkney & Arnold PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Sojourner Truth (1970) by Charles FreemanThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

The Insurance Man (1970/1985) by Richard WyattThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

5 Pillars of Progress (1979/1984) by Elliott PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Transportation Brought Art to the People (1976) by Ulysses JenkinsThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

American Justice (1981) by Charles FreemanThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Untitled (1975) by Roland WeltonThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Education to Succeed (1981) by Elliott PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Untitled (1976) by Roderick SykesThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Untitled (1973) by David HammonsThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Something From Nothing (1969/1970) by John OutterbridgeThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Resurrect (2012) by Noni OlabisiThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Settlement and Development (1949) by Hale WoodruffThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Exploration and Colonization (1949) by Charles AlstonThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Reach Out (1975) by Alonzo Davis & Joseph SimsThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Important Black Women in History III (1974) by Alice PatrickThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

To Protect and Serve (1996) by Noni OlabisiThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Freedom Won't Wait (1992) by Noni OlabisiThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Troubled Island (2003) by Noni OlabisiThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Tapestry of Spirit (1970/2015) by Roderick Sykes & Jacqueline Sykes with children and community membersThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Evolution of the Spirit (1997) by Elliot PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Slaying of the Dragon (1977) by Elliott Pinkney & Arnold PinkneyThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

The Rat Trap (1972) by Ulysses JenkinsThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

The Azz Izz Is (1976) by Ulysses JenkinsThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Venice Pavilion: The History of Venice (1973) by Ulysses JenkinsThe Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Credits: Story

All photographs copyright - The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles (MCLA), Isabel Rojas-WIlliams and Robin Dunitz

Credits: All media

The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Stories from The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

Online Exhibit