A group of Chicana mothers formed MELA in 1985 to fight the construction of a prison in their East L.A. neighborhood. Years of community mobilizing and candlelight vigils eventually paid off and the prison project was cancelled. MELA also successfully fought against an oil pipeline and toxic waste incinerator being built in their community. They have gone on to establish programs for scholarships, water conservation, and health education.
Printed at the worker-owned Stumptown Printers, Portland, OR.
This is a postcard of poster #21 in the Celebrate People’s History Series.