Faces and voices of Angelenos on America's 250th

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Set us as preferred What 250 years means: 250 years of America is joy, devastation, pain, suffering, growing pains, heartache, injustices, tears, happiness, growth, homesteading lifestyle, culture.I recognize the fact that we’re currently standing on the oldest street in all of Los Angeles.

This is the birthplace of the city, and I know that this was a land of the natives, the Tongva.I recognize that, recognize them, recognize that this was Mexico, not too long ago, 250 years ago.

My hope for this country: That the future holds more joy, more opportunity for growth, less injustices for all, recognition of past faults, and denouncing said faults.What 250 years means: America means freedom, an opportunity.I’m originally from Mexico, and when you come here, really feel like everybody has opportunity to really just fulfill whatever dream or whatever purpose God has for you.

I feel free when I’m out here.My hope for this country: I see so much pain on the streets, and for me, being familiar with pain, nobody deserves that.

What I want is something that is gonna take a lot of work… I don’t want people to feel pain, you know.There’s so much brokenness, there’s so many lost people that it just breaks my heart.What 250 years means: America is a great, great place, strong, and that’s why we can keep going and get more, more time, more years…we have a great opportunities for my family, my people, and all people.

My hope for this country: I hope we don’t have war, no violence in the streets, and a very good economy.What 250 years means: Being from England, I think it’s rather new.There’s a lot of good energy here.

There’s a lot of different energy here than where I’m from.People are out here going, getting things, and I think you can feel the frontier… people will celebrate success, whereas where I�...