Phoenix mural highlights history, achievements of state’s Latino community
Accomplishments of the Latino community in Arizona are being brought to downtown Phoenix, one brushstroke at a time.
Adults, teenagers and children joined AARP and artist David Murietta to help paint a mural Saturday morning.
The mural near Seventh Street and Portland Avenue highlights the history of the Latino community in Arizona, according to Alex Juarez, communications director for AARP Arizona.
“We want to make sure that everybody in the community sees the great accomplishments of Latinos,” Juarez said.
The AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection mural features famous Latinos in Arizona history, such as Raúl Héctor Castro, the first Mexican-American governor, and Ed Pastor, the first MexicanAmerican congressman.
The famous Latinos are then surrounded by the state flag, the Camelback Mountains and animals that live in the Southwest.
The mural is being painted on the back of the Ace Cellular and Smoke Shop and is scheduled to be finished Tuesday.
Attending the event was Arizona State Sen. Catherine Miranda, Post 41 Commander Louie Garcia and Beth Castro, daughter of Raúl Héctor Castro.
“You’ve seen nothing yet,” said AARP state director Dana Kennedy. “There are so many Hispanic leaders in this community that need to be highlighted and lifted up, and we intend to do just that.”
In addition to the mural, David Parra, associate state director for multicultural outreach for AARP Arizona, created a plan to bring together Latinos who have contributed to the Arizona community.
Parra said the plan comes with three objectives: to educate, to celebrate, to connect.
The public can find the AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection on several social media sites, such as Facebook and YouTube.
Its radio program airs Saturdays from 8 to 9 a.m. on KNUV (1190 AM).