Art Almeida was born on December 27, 1928, in San Pedro. His mother came to the United States from Ciudad Guerrero in northern Mexico when she was about six years old. His father, born in Santa María de Los Angeles in Jalisco, came to the US in 1909 and married Art's mother around 1917 in Morenci, Arizona. Art's father was a hacendado from the landed gentry, and his mother's family crossed the border into Morenci, Arizona. Art's father was a kindly man, about six feet tall, fair-skinned, and articulate. His mother was a woman who had to deal with the challenges of living on a hillside lot. Art grew up in a neighborhood where his family had deep roots, and he attended San Pedro High School. He was advised by a teacher not to let anyone put him down because of his ethnicity when he went to high school. Art was involved in the Alianza, a Mexican-American organization, and he was also part of a style that developed in the neighborhood. 

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Art Almeida covers a wide range of topics related to his personal history and experiences. It begins with Art providing details about his family background, including his parents' origins and their journey to the United States. He describes his father as a kindly man and shares details about his physical appearance. Art also talks about his mother and the challenges she faced living on a hillside lot. The interview delves into Art's upbringing in San Pedro, including details about the neighborhood he grew up in and the impact of his family's deep roots in the area. Art discusses his experiences at San Pedro High School, including the advice he received from a teacher about handling issues related to his ethnicity. He also shares insights into his involvement with the Alianza, a Mexican-American organization, and the development of a particular style in the neighborhood. Additionally, Art provides details about the Alianza's rituals and the significance of literacy within the organization. The interview touches on the topic of gangs and the changes in youth behavior and fashion over time. Art also discusses his involvement with the union and the impact of the war and bombings in the area. Throughout the interview, Art shares personal anecdotes and reflections, offering a comprehensive look at his life and the community he was a part of in San Pedro.