The Entrance: Pacoima's Story - Couverture souple

Jackson, Crystal

 
9780985961947: The Entrance: Pacoima's Story

Synopsis

Author and historian Crystal Jackson, a renowned expert in Los Angeles history, offers a captivating and authentic account of one town’s remarkable journey through American history. Since the birth of our nation, Pacoima has represented a microcosm of America’s social development and evolution. Originally known to the indigenous people as Pacoinga, it was once sacred land until the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the late 16th century. From the Mission era and the genocide of its native inhabitants to its status as one of the country’s first suburban minority communities, Pacoima’s diverse cultural history is truly unique.
“The Entrance: Pacoima’s Story” uncovers the powerful layers of this town’s extraordinary past, revealing provocative racial narratives that intertwine with American history. While some in the nation sought to contain and diminish people of color, Pacoima continuously broke free and achieved remarkable heights. Over the past 150 years, the town’s distinct blend of cultures, including Native, Latino, Black, Japanese, and White, has defied the odds. This unique blend of cultures is a fascinating aspect of Pacoima’s history.
Jackson dedicated five years to researching the town and interviewing dozens of current and former residents. Among those she interviewed for the book are U.S. Congressman Tony Cárdenas, U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla —all of whom grew up in Pacoima. Additionally, she spoke with 90-year-old residents, Indian chiefs, Mexican migrants, families of Japanese internment camp survivors, and civil rights leaders, who shared vivid accounts of the town’s growth and evolution.
Despite enduring the consequences of land theft, being treated as second-class citizens, forced imprisonment, civil rights violations, and a crack epidemic that nearly devastated the community, Pacoima has risen to make significant contributions to the country and even the world. This resilience is a testament to the town's strength and determination.
Notable figures such as Ritchie Valens, Heisman Trophy winner Charles White, actor Danny Trejo, World Boxing Champion Bobby Chacon, and Grammy winner Andráe Crouch all hail from the small town of Pacoima. Their inspiring stories and significant contributions to the country and the world are a source of pride for the town. The nation’s first public charter school, the world’s largest earth-filled dam, and the top-ranked high school football team are all part of this town’s legacy. Each narrative is awe-inspiring, complemented by rare vintage photos. Although Johnny Carson once used Pacoima as a punchline in his routine, perpetuating negative stereotypes, this book reveals a town that many may not have known existed. From its earliest inhabitants to its contemporary presence, the incredible story of Pacoima is now readily accessible.
The Entrance: Pacoima's Story contains hundreds of photos and historical documents from the archives of the Pacoima Historical Society. For more information visit www.PacoimaStories.com

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À propos de l'auteur

Crystal Jackson is an author, filmmaker, and historian, whose unique stories about American history have exploded on the Los Angeles scene. In 2019, she released a critically acclaimed history book entitled The Entrance: Pacoima's Story. This 600-page book traced the 1500 year history of the area and LA town, which is among the city's oldest. As a filmmaker, Crystal has written several motion picture screenplays and directed the award-winning film PacoimaStories: Land of Dreams, which won Best Feature Documentary at the Pan-African Film Festival in Los Angeles.A hometown native of Pacoima, California, she is also president of the Pacoima Historical Society, where she has become a driving community force with an extensive social media following. She has worked with some of the states highest officials including US Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Tony Cardenas, as well as, numerous celebrities.

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