Red, white and blue carries own meaning in West Town

Red, white and blue carries own meaning in West Town
By Ray Quintanilla
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune
Published January 26, 2007



After years of neglect, and an attempt to cover it up, the oldest and most important mural in Chicago's Puerto Rican community is slated for renovation.

"La Crucifixion de Don Pedro Albizu Campos," which depicts three controversial Puerto Rican nationalists being crucified, was completed in 1971 by three community artists.

Over the years, the red, white and blue mural in the once predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood of West Town has faded. And the neighborhood surrounding it also has changed, as newcomers who know little about the mural's history have flocked to the area, including nearby Humboldt Park.

But the mural at the corner of North and Artesian Avenues has remained an important symbol for Puerto Ricans in the Northwest Side community, where some residents still drape the Puerto Rican flag from their windows and greet each other in Spanish.

Supporters hope that the mural will be restored by the summer, and residents can reflect on its message while sitting in an adjacent garden, thanks to a $595,000 initiative.

The first part of the plan was completed last year when the city acquired the land for the garden, which cost $470,000. The decision prevented the construction of a building that would have obstructed the view of the mural.

The next step, according to the Department of Planning, is turning over the parcel to the Near Northwest Neighborhood Network, which is leading efforts to raise $125,000 to restore the mural.

"I'm pleased to say this mural is going to be a part of this neighborhood for a long time," said Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th), who plans to support the project when it comes before the City Council later this year.

In the 1970s, West Town and Humboldt Park became destinations for Puerto Ricans, many of them young families being displaced by development along the North Side lakefront. In recent years, the growing number of new three-flats has sparked change again, with younger, white affluent couples now moving into the area.

Between 1990 and 2000, U.S. Census data show the Puerto Rican population in West Town and Humboldt Park declined by 33 percent to about 26,000.

Eliud Medina, executive director of the Near Northwest Neighborhood Network, said the mural's message transcends the area's changing demographics.

"We recognize gentrification has arrived," said Medina, 49, adding that home values and rents in the area have been on the upswing in recent years. "But that doesn't mean the mural isn't important to a lot of the Latinos who are still here. Anyone who believes in a cause should find meaning in the mural."

Fundraising is already under way, and Medina said he hopes to have $125,000 in the bank by spring when renovation of the mural is slated to begin.

Zoraida Tanon, who owns La Bruquena Restaurant in the 2700 block of West Division Street, said she recently joined efforts to raise money for the restoration. And she plans to get other nearby businesses involved, she added.

"This artwork means so much in the hearts of Chicago's Puerto Ricans," she explained. "I really believe the community will come forward with the funds to bring this mural back to life."

The mural depicts a controversial scene designed to mark the island's struggle for independence from the United States.

At the painting's center is Campos, a legendary pro-independence figure who died in 1965. He is next to Lolita Lebron and Rafael Cancel Miranda, who wounded five members of U.S. Congress when they opened fired in the gallery of the House of Representatives in 1954.

The fourth character, believed to be former Puerto Rican Gov. Luis Munoz Marin, a supporter of statehood, points a spear at Campos.

Jon Pounds, executive director of the Chicago Public Art Group, a non-profit organization advocating for restoration of the mural and other major works across the city, called the efforts "important to all people of Chicago."

"The mural is an iconic image that represents an important aspect of life as Puerto Rican people try to understand their relationship to the United States," Pounds said.

Puerto Ricans are divided, both here and on the island, between those who want the island to become the 51st state and those who want it to remain a territory. But only 2.5 percent of voters favored the idea of Puerto Rican independence when the issue was last put on the ballot in 1998.

Similarly, there is disagreement in the community about the mural's meaning and significance.

"I don't really know what it means," said Harold Muller, who rents an apartment in the 1400 block of North Artesian Avenue and moved into the neighborhood about a year ago after selling his condominium in the Loop.

"I know it's a political message of some kind. The crosses look kind of creepy to me," said Muller, 30, a financial planner.

Meanwhile, a longtime resident said she panicked about two years ago after someone spray-painted a section of the mural dark brown.

"It hurt because I really believe Americans need to see the suffering of those who fought for Puerto Rico's independence," said Marta Gonzalez, 29, who grew up nearby in the 1500 block of North Rockwell Street.

"The mural is there to give Chicago something to think about," she said.

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rquintanilla@tribune.com