Homies Memorabilia (Specials)
Homies are a series of 2-inch figurines loosely based upon Chicano (Mexican
American) characters in the life of artist David Gonzales. First created in
1998, these plastic figurines were initially sold via vending machines typically
positioned in supermarkets, but quickly became collectibles among young children
and teenagers.
The figures caused controversy after their initial release, as members of the Los Angeles police department (LAPD), argued that the figures glorified gang life. Many stores stopped selling the toys after the LAPD complained.
Gonzales then created a story for each of the Homies' characters, each of which had a positive view of the characters. Some of them became former jailmates who went on to educate children about how to avoid jail.
The figures caused controversy after their initial release, as members of the Los Angeles police department (LAPD), argued that the figures glorified gang life. Many stores stopped selling the toys after the LAPD complained.
Gonzales then created a story for each of the Homies' characters, each of which had a positive view of the characters. Some of them became former jailmates who went on to educate children about how to avoid jail.
