Boyle Heights Revives the Zoot Suit Spirit with a Grand Heritage Week and 80th Anniversary Cruising Parade

Boyle Heights, a vibrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, is poised to rekindle the flamboyant spirit of the iconic zoot suit fashion by introducing a Zoot Suit Heritage Week. This initiative, in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles Council District 14, commemorates the tragic events of the racially charged and brutal assaults that took place from June 3 to June 9 in 1943.

The zoot suit, characterized by its broad-shouldered drape jacket, balloon-leg trousers, and flamboyant hat, holds a significant place in history, as described by the Yale National Initiative. Unfortunately, during World War II, white civilians and American servicemen targeted children, teenagers, and anyone wearing zoot suits, claiming that the attire was “unpatriotic” due to its excessive use of fabric, as noted by the Intercultural Leadership Institute.

Rather than addressing the deep-seated racist hatred behind these attacks, the Los Angeles City Council responded by enacting a ban on zoot suits, as outlined in the BHNC resolution. However, this ban was never implemented, leading to a misconception that persists even today — many individuals believe that the zoot suit is still outlawed.

To counteract the rising tide of racism in society, the BHNC calls upon Councilmember Kevin de León and the Los Angeles City Council to support their noble cause. The resolution advocates for the establishment of a Zoot Suit Heritage Week, allowing the people of Los Angeles to express this integral part of their cultural heritage with dignity.

Jonathan Echavarria, President of the BHNC, emphasizes the positive impact that Heritage Week would have on the residents of Boyle Heights. He believes it would serve as a vital step toward rebuilding the community’s trust in the city council.

“This celebration would foster a stronger bond between the community and City Hall, enabling residents to actively participate in the city’s affairs,” Echavarria explained. “By acknowledging something that our community has long recognized, we can begin to heal the deep rift that has developed over the years.”

Echavarria believes that the reintroduction of the zoot suit through Heritage Week will not only revive its fashion appeal but also enable the governmental institutions to catch up with the sentiments and needs of the people. While zoot suits may not be commonly seen today, Echavarria himself plans to don one, and he knows several friends in Boyle Heights who also embrace the zoot suit tradition.

Another member of the BHNC, Alejandro Flores, shares a personal connection to the zoot suit legacy. His grandmother, Esther Guerrero, was an original zoot suiter, and Flores believes that establishing a Zoot Suit Heritage Week would bring immense positive change to the community.

“People are forgetting the rich history behind zoot suits, and it is not something widely taught in schools. I consider myself fortunate because my grandmother was part of this movement; otherwise, I might not have known about it either,” Flores said.

Flores credits his grandmother’s influence for shaping his perspective on fashion, transportation, and politics, fueling his admiration for the zoot suit tradition. Guerrero used to emphasize the importance of protecting the community to Flores, highlighting the close connection zoot suiters felt with the public.

“She always told me that when you walk in the streets, you become part of the public, and it creates an opportunity to form connections with people,” Flores recalled. “This mindset originated from the era of zoot suits, and even now, I solely rely on public transportation because I believe in maintaining that connection.”

Having recently joined the BHNC in April 2023, Flores considers himself fortunate to contribute during a time when the council is actively