Don't erase us; we exist

Lowriding as liberation: A legacy of Latino resilience takes the reins in Texas

Austin veteran Steve Guzman's journey with lowriding began shortly after his return from Vietnam. At 22, he bought his first ride, a candy-apple red Chevy pickup, stepping into a world where Latino pride and self-expression clashed with bitter territorial divides.

“We had different parts of town,” said rider James Sanchez, describing the unspoken rule: “Don't come to my side."

The river served as a boundary, with Guzman in East Austin and his friend Manuel Medina in Montopolis, neither crossing over. But as time moved forward, so did the lowriding community. The bridge was no longer a barrier but a connector, with inter-neighborhood marriages and a shared love for the art of lowriding bringing people together.

“Time has healed,” reflected Guzman.

The elderly Guzman, Medina, and Sanchez now represent the old guard, passing the torch to a new generation.

A Sunday cruise through history

On a recent Sunday, Austin's streets became a mobile gallery as lowriders from across Texas descended upon the capital. Their destination: the Bullock Texas State History Museum, hosting the "Carros y Cultura" exhibit, a tribute to the art, culture, and community of lowriding.

This unique expression of Latino pride, which originated in 1940s California, took root in Texas in the 1960s, with Austinites like Guzman's grandfather lowering their cars as a statement of cultural defiance.

“I'm an Austin native, and to see our culture celebrated and bringing everyone together — there's really no words for it,” said Monica Maldonado, founder of MAS Cultura, a Latino art nonprofit.

The cruise, with around 70 riders from 30 clubs, became a mobile celebration of Latino culture and unity, traversing the city and ending with a party at Fiesta Gardens' Chicano Park in the Holly neighborhood.

More than just cars: Family, legacy, and art

Lowriding, for many, isn't just about the cars; it's about family, legacy, and art. Cars are passed down as heirlooms, carrying stories of perseverance and dedication.

"West Texas" Eddie Velarde, a Majestix Car Club member, has spent 18 years restoring his 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, hoping to pass it on to his daughter, Selena, as a symbol of his hard work and love.

Trampia Guzman, an Austin rider, also grew up entrenched in lowrider culture. He learned to sew zoot suits—a Chicano fashion statement—at age five from his grandmother. Two of his suits, including one made from his grandmother's golden drapes, are now on display at the Bullock museum.

“This is an art, and it’s miraculous,” exclaimed Gizmo, a fellow lowrider, reflecting on the community's creativity and resilience.

Carros y Cultura: A celebration of Latino culture and legacy

When: On display through September 2
Where: The Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 Congress Ave.
Info: An exhibition celebrating Texas' lowriding culture, featuring cars, motorcycles, and Latino artworks.