"A Unique Reflection of the African American Culture that Flowered Here"

"Like many historic black firms, however, Golden State found itself ill-equipped to compete for the business of an increasingly dispersed African American middle class. The company foundered for years and finally was seized by the state insurance commissioner, whose Conservation and Liquidation Office is in the process of disposing of Golden State's assets, including what remains of its collection of African American art. The liquidation office contends that the murals, which were executed on canvas in consideration of seismic issues, are part of that collection. Therefore, it proposes to sell both to the Smithsonian for $750,000."

Tim Rutten in the Los Angeles Times calls for the Golden State Mutual Life Historical Murals to remain in Los Angeles.