For over a decade, the AIDS monument has anchored the work of the organization in the community. What began as a local community project has blossomed into the first publicly funded AIDS monument in the nation.
The Wall-Las Memorias Project’s AIDS monument was designed by architect David Angelo and public artist Robin Brailsford.
A community advisory board selected the site in 1993, based upon its rich cultural and artistic history with the Latino community and its proximity to the local AIDS Treatment Center at County USC Hospital, the Rand Schrader AIDS Clinic.
The Wall Las-Memorias Project was designed as a Quetzalcoatl serpent, an Aztec symbol for rebirth. The monument consists of eight wall panels, six murals depicting life with AIDS in the Latino community and two granite panels that contain the names of individuals who have died from AIDS. The monument also includes a serene park setting with benches and an archway set in garden areas for personal meditation. The total size of the monument is about 9,000 square ft., with half of this area being developed as new landscaping.
The cost of the AIDS monument is made possible by the State of California through the leadership of State Senator Gilbert Cedillo and the City of Los Angeles. To ensure the future upkeep of the monument, the agency has created an endowment fund to cover the cost of the maintenance. In addition, a community advisory board will be established to monitor the site and the needs of the monument at Lincoln Park.
Though the focus of the AIDS awareness campaign is targeted to the Latino community, the names submission process is open to everyone. New names will be added on an annual basis with their unveiling at a special ceremony on World AIDS Day, December 1st.

The Wall Las Memorias Project