Episode 1:Welcome to El Monte | American Historia: El Monte
The overlooked histories of El Monte and South El Monte, California are told through public historians and South El Monte Arts Posse’s Romeo Guzmán and Carribean Fragoza, who share a brief overview of the city’s radical beginnings.
Episode 2: Burn the Wagon: Creating A People’s Seal of El Monte | American Historia: El Monte
The myth of the Santa Fe Trail has been an integral part of the city of El Monte’s identity, and to this day, the pioneer wagon appears on the seal of the city. The South El Monte Arts Posse commissioned artist Daniel González to create a new seal that more accurately represents the erased history of the people who have called El Monte home for centuries.
Episode 3: Marrano Beach: The Beach Without an Ocean | American Historia: El Monte
Historically, Mexican families were barred from Los Angeles's segregated beaches and would gather at Marrano Beach, a makeshift swimming spot on the Rio Hondo. One hundred years later, the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area remains a source of relaxation and recreation for people of color in Eastern LA County.
Episode 4: Starlite Swap Meet: Sharing Memories | American Historia: El Monte
El Monte’s Starlite Swap Meet was a weekly gathering where immigrant community could socialize, purchase essentials and toys alike, eat delicacies, and make a living. Artist Daniel González recounts his own memories of visiting and working at the since-closed Starlite Swap Meet.
