Mike Bravo

5th Generation Venetian and Spiritual Activist

Mike Bravo Venice, CA Native Indigenous Standing next to a tree altar my great grandmother erected about 20 years ago at our home.

My name is Mike Bravo, I am a 5th generation Venetian, Indigenous Spiritual Activist,  and lead coordinator of the Four Corners Spirit Run. The Four Corners Spirit Run is an annual spiritual run (9 years strong) in West Los Angeles which provides the Indigenous American/Native Mexican youth and others in West Los Angeles with culturally relevant programs as well as to promote the development of positive Indigenous identity & values.   I am also a former board member of the Venice Neighborhood Council (2014-2016.)

I have spent the majority of my 42 years of life living, going to school, and working in Venice, Santa Monica, and Mar Vista/Del Rey. Currently I am a digital designer and internet marketer for various youth oriented non-profits and family law firms on the Westside. I have been doing this for the past 10 years.

As a fifth generation Venetian born and raised in Venice, CA and surrounding communities, I am very aware of the social and historical dynamics which give way to the social ills that have manifested and displaced most of the Black, Brown, and working class community of Venice. Issues such as gentrification, gang violence, police brutality, and racism are created and reinforced by ignorance and oppressive policies.

In 1983 at the age of seven I lost my father on this earth walk to the intense drug and gang violence that plagued West Los Angeles at that time. After many years of  being confused, taking wrong turns in life, and lacking culturally relevant healing & guidance from society, I eventually became empowered and enlightened by Hip Hop culture, my Indigenous American Identity, and Indigenous Spiritual Traditions.

My work over the past 18 years has focused on bringing Native-Indigenous traditions to the forefront of youth education programming and social value culture via community events (ceremonies) and digital design endeavors. I also advocate on behalf of the Tongva nation who are the original caretakers of the Los Angeles basin and help defend endangered Sacred Sites in Los Angeles and throughout the country from the destructive and current continued expressions of colonialism and  modern day “indian removal” acts.

Former Venice Neighborhood Council

As one would guess I am very passionate about what goes on in Venice. I was the only active person of color on the VNC during my two years on the VNC (2014-2016.) I have always put the people first and have firmly advocated for true inclusivity and accountability from our city’s leaders and institutions.

During my term as Community Officer for the VNC I created a successful motion to release the Brendon Glenn video as well as led Venice to adopt and celebrate Indigenous People’s Day, a motion which inspired the current L.A. City Council to adopt the holiday in August 2017.

I bring the unique dynamic of representing the experience and perspectives of 5 generations of Venetians into the political discourse and decision making processes of Venice. My representation is critical especially in this time of diminishing diversity in Venice’s decision making forums. The current homogeneous gentrifier and real estate sector dominated Venice Neighborhood Council is a good example of the representational imbalance plaguing our town.

About This Website

This site advocates for:

  • true community inclusivity
  • giving voice to those most marginalized by agents of gentrification
  • demanding  much needed financial and racial equity policies lacking in our community
  • correcting the defeatist and gentrification apologetic narratives that currently plague our local media
  • demanding acknowledgement of lack, Native, and other non-white histories into the Venice narrative.
  • true respect and celebration of diverse culture devoid of the current trend of exploitation and tokenism
  • challenging and correcting racism and classism and all agencies contributing to displacement and seeking to erase the true colorful history of Venice.

The current plague of gentrification and police violence we are witnessing in Venice is only the latest form in the colonial pattern of displacing Native peoples for “progress” and profit. This site is also dedicated to advocating for social justice and respect for the Tongva Indian peoples and their land we are visitors to. It seeks to provide elixir from the inundation of gentrifier narratives and status quo activism currently dominating Venice decision making circles and dialogue forums.