Sammy Carrera is a poet from Boyle Heights. He recently produced this spoken word poem on video, which explains why Boyle Heights is important to him, and delves into the history, present, and future of one of L.A.s' most vital neighborhoods. Throughout the poem, he uses techniques like calling out the familiar sounds of the neighborhood, repeating common language shared by the denizens of the barrio, and both lovingly and crticially describing his surroundings.
It's a poem and visual production (by Freddy Ortiz) that will take you to the corners and landmarks of Boyle Heights, using words that reflect both the neighborhood, and the poet's soul.