From librarians to barbers, mariachis to street vendors, workers are the backbone of any community, and it’s no different in Boyle Heights.
As we celebrate Labor Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring and recognizing the contributions and achievements of workers, Boyle Heights Beat is highlighting some of the hardworking people who make this community thrive.
In collaboration with Las Fotos Project, a nonprofit that elevates the voices of teenage girls and gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring, youth photographers ventured into the community to interview and photograph local workers.
Each photo tells a unique story of resilience, dedication and hard work. Here’s what they captured:
Martha Gallardo, 62
Owner at Villa Dry Cleaners, 2024 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
“Hay cosas que te obligan a hacer por malas decisiones que tomas cuando eres joven, pero estas decisiones te hacen tener un mejor futuro.”
Martha Gallardo explains that her motivation for working stemmed from becoming a mother at a very young age and lacking an education. As a result, her father, who managed the family business at the time, taught her how to work. Being a young mother drove her to contribute to the family business, and her lived experience inspired her to persevere and work hard. She was determined to secure a better future for herself and her family. Gallardo’s journey highlights her resilience and dedication to improving her life.
Photographer: Amanda Arellano
Manuel A. Pérez
Mariachi, can be found at Mariachi Plaza, 1831 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
“La música es un arte, y es algo también que se lleva en el alma.”
Alongside many people in Boyle Heights thriving with pride and passion is Manuel A. Pérez, a mariachi who performs and sings with his heart and soul. Pursuing his passion for creating and performing music, Pérez has a deep connection to music as an art form. Having performed in Boyle Heights for over twenty years, Pérez has had the opportunity to work with renowned Mexican legends such as Lorenzo De Monteclaro and Don Pedro Rivera. Despite his deep appreciation for music, pursuing this path comes with challenges. Pérez notes that being a mariachi doesn’t always provide enough to make a living, a situation that is unfortunately common. However, he does not let this obstacle interfere with his dreams. Driven by his passion, Pérez is determined to continue pursuing music.
Photographer: Miguel Jara Silva
Lupita Leyva, 50
Librarian at Benjamin Franklin Library, 2200 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
“Sometimes, people come from places where public libraries don’t exist. Sometimes they come from places where public libraries can’t exist. What the library is, is really a community center.”
Boyle Heights native Lupita Leyva holds her community and libraries very close to her heart. She recalls spending much of her childhood at the local Benjamin Franklin Library, where she developed a special connection that inspired her career. She hopes to pass on that same sense of magic to others, so they can experience the same wonder she found growing up in these spaces. Leyva has had the unique privilege of working at three L.A. Public Library branches in Boyle Heights: Malabar, Robert Louis Stevenson, and currently, Benjamin Franklin, where she is a senior librarian.
Photographer: Zacarías Bernal
Alma Morales
Street vendor along Cesar Chavez Avenue
“Nosotros somos de México, y me gusta aquí porque la gente se identifica entre sí. La gente socializa y siento que estoy en México.”
Alma Morales recounts her experiences living in her native country, Mexico, and describes how she has found a home away from home in the Boyle Heights community. Her story mirrors the many stories of hard workers who migrated here in pursuit of the American dream. Many migrants have found a second home in this vibrant community.
Photographer: Daniela Solano
Rene Perez, 40
Record store owner at Sonido del Valle, 2108 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
“There’s no place like Boyle Heights.”
Rene Perez’s Sonido Del Valle stands as a vibrant hub of cultural and musical activity, deeply connected to the local community. Originally from Lincoln Heights, Perez and his brother launched the record store six years ago on Cesar Chavez Avenue before relocating to 1st Street. The shop has become a cherished local staple, attracting those who resonate with the diverse musical offerings that reflect Rene’s own musical journey. Sonido Del Valle, which translates to “Sound of the Valley,” celebrates the eclectic sounds of Perez’s childhood, from oldies to hip-hop, echoing the streets of his youth. Despite his family’s limited musical background, Perez’s passion for music grew, leading him to collect and eventually sell records, including producing his own album titled “Orchestra René.”
Photographer: Monica Valladares
Blanca Aguilar, 54
Hair stylist at Blanca’s Beauty Salon, 2215 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
“Lo que hace Boyle Heights único sería su gente, sus negocios y cómo todos somos iguales de una manera.”
Business owner Blanca Aguilar explains that she feels very proud and supported by her community in Boyle Heights. She highlights that many of us come from similar backgrounds and that our shared experiences strengthen our support for one another.
Photographer: Brianna Flores
Pablo Del Pilar, 51
Plushie pop-up vendor at intersection of N Soto Street and E Cesar E. Chavez Avenue
“Cuando tú quieres salir adelante, no tienes que ponerte esos límites ni barreras, tienes que buscarlas y ver hasta dónde quieres llegar.”
Pablo Del Pilar sets up his plush toy stand on Soto Street and Cesar E. Chavez Avenue in front of McDonald’s. He explains that self-employment has taught him how to manage his money for both business and personal use. He believes that you shouldn’t set limits on your life and should avoid surrounding yourself with negative people who might hinder your pursuit of goals. Pilar says, “Cuando tú quieres salir adelante, no tienes que ponerte esos límites ni barreras, tienes que buscarlas y ver hasta dónde quieres llegar.”
Photographer: Emely Mendez
This portrait series was produced in collaboration with Las Fotos Project as part of a summer workshop for local photographers aged 16 to 24.
