FORT WORTH — They’re often seen in movies, TV shows, and even cruising the streets of North Texas.
The lowrider is a mobile masterpiece representing decades of culture in the Hispanic community. This artistry filled downtown Fort Worth on September 21st at the Car and Culture Show in Sundance Square.
“Lowrider culture dates back to the Raza Chicanos of the ’40s and ’50s,” said Mark Mata, a spokesman for the Dallas Lowriders Club.
The term “lowrider” is used interchangeably to refer to a car and the people who drive it. Lowriders as a people are said to be primarily Latino men from Texas, the Southwest, and Southern California.
“In the past, people used to think of us as cars, lowriders. But now it’s a family thing.”
These vehicles exist as a cultural expression of the Mexican American community and are often displayed as a representation of their owners.
“I like flashy things,” Mata said. “So everything you see of me is going to shine. You know, gold. I love gold.” His “flashy” works currently in progress include a purple and gold 1959 Impala; Contains.
Natalie Palacios, CBS News Texas
Carlos Ybarra, a Midlothian resident, owns a 1952 Chevrolet 3100 series pickup he named “Suavecito.”
“My favorite song is ‘Suavecito,’ because of my wife Veronica,” Ibarra said.
The truck’s red and black colors were inspired by Hispanic-centric movies.
“My idea for the color scheme was based on the movie La Mission starring Benjamin Platt and the man who appears as Kurzito in Blood In Blood Out.”
Natalie Palacios, CBS News Texas
Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even bicycles are customized to showcase Hispanic culture.
“The bike allows me to start slow and then get a project car or inherit my dad’s car and go from there,” Daisy Garza said.
Daisy Garza and her sister Destine Garza founded the Los Chula Lowrider Motorcycle Club in Dallas. The club was founded to create a space for young women to participate in a predominantly male-dominated community.
“This is my baby, so I call it Churita. But yeah, my dad gave this to me three years ago, and he picked it. And all that. He chose it, so he’s the boss,” Destin Garza said.
Natalie Palacios, CBS News Texas
The Garza sisters were born into lowrider culture.
Daisy and Destine Garza’s father has been involved in the lowrider scene for over 25 years. Daisy Garza said it all started when she founded her own club, Los Veteranos (Veterans), at Deluxe Bomb in 1951.
The Sisters Club is a testament to a community that has thrived over generations.
Mata said he has been involved in lowrider culture all his life.
“I learned that from my brothers, and it goes on and on,” Mata said. “generation”.
This community is not only made up of car owners, but also people who come to understand the culture.
Natalie Palacios, CBS News Texas
Tina Mendes only recently joined the lowrider scene, but says she feels a connection despite being a newcomer.
“I feel like I’ve found some kind of sense of community with all the photographers I meet,” Mendez said. “Everyone has been so welcoming, really knowledgeable and willing to help me with anything I need.”
Mendez and Azucena Torres are often photographed at cultural events around North Texas.
Torres lived near the border before moving to Fort Worth.
“I think Fort Worth has really made a name for itself in Tejano culture and lowrider culture,” Torres said. “And as the years have gone by, heritage and everything has become very important to the people here, so now we have parades and we can show off our culture and be proud of it. Now.”
Whether it’s height, color, or statement, lowriders are sure to catch your eye while cruising the streets of North Texas.
“It’s not just a passion. We love this. We breathe it and bleed it,” Mata said.
As Ybarra says, it’s all about culture.
“Viva La Raza”
