Seeds of Resilience: Barrio Americano

A New Year Celebrating Resilience and Reflection

Through a series of installations reflecting an early twentieth‑century barrio, Seeds of Resilience: Barrio Americano centers Mexican American histories by exploring everyday spaces that fostered community, cultural preservation, and continued resistance in the face of discrimination. Barrio Americano offers insight into how people organized their lives, supported one another, and asserted dignity within challenging social and economic conditions.

This exhibition reflects Rancho Los Cerritos’ ongoing commitment to sharing inclusive histories and creating space for learning and dialogue across generations. It also contributes to a citywide reflection on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence through the shared Seeds of Resilience initiative, with partner institutions presenting complementary exhibitions exploring the region’s histories in 2026.

Acknowledgements

Rancho Los Cerritos gratefully acknowledges Platinum Sponsor Port of Long Beach for its generous support of Seeds of Resilience: Barrio Americano and the opening celebration. Additional support for the opening festivities is provided in part by the Arts Council for Long Beach and the City of Long Beach.