2301 West Jefferson Blvd. (at 3rd Ave.). Los Angeles, CA 90018. (click to view)
Artists: David Mosley, Eddie Or, Norman Maxwell, Micheal McKenzie & Marvin Hunt.
The concept was the idea of Vietnam vet and neighborhood activist Gus Harris. Remembering how little he learned in school about African American history, he decided a public mural showcasing some of the many heroic black individuals who have made important contributions to society would be an excellent way to inspire today's youth.
The mural's central focus is a tree of life. A close examination reveals that painted into the flesh of both the trunk and branches are writhing, struggling human bodies. From each limb sprouts the proud faces of important African Americans.
Sponsored and commissioned by SPARC. With assistance from students from Holy Name of Jesus School, 36th Street Elementary School, and Dorsey High School. Next to "Black Seeds" is a second munl of children on a see-saw. Many nationalities are present in this optimistic portrayal of multicultural cooperation. Restored by Moses Ball in 2009. Photo © Ian Robertson-Salt.