Filipino American History Mural Project
In 2008, SJSU unveiled on campus the Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice. This iconic archway depicts the United Farm Workers Movement, specifically, the contributions from Mexican American labor leaders and civil rights activists, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. However, the Arch of Dignity omits any reference to the contributions of Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and other Filipino farmworkers in this movement.
Re-ignited in recent years by organizations such as Asian American Art in Action (A4) and Students for Filipino Farmworkers, SJSU students have united with various alumni, staff, faculty, and community organizations to ensure that Filipino American history is properly represented on campus, most especially the history of Filipino Farmworkers.
The mission of this Coalition is to unveil a new mural that will work to correct the painful omission of our history by finally commemorating the contributions and leadership Filipino Farmworkers made during the United Farm Workers Movement. With this new art installation, SJSU’s community and visitors will be taught the valuable contributions Filipinos have made throughout American history.
The location of the mural will be across all four panels at the base of the tower depicted in the image to the right. This site is located within earshot distance of the Arch of Dignity, and will be located at a main entrance of the Student Union with high visibility. This site is also located between the Student Union Patio and the Subway on campus.
This mural project is led by a central committee of SJSU students, alumni, staff, faculty, and Filipino community organizations. Our purpose as a committee is to ensure the stories of our history are properly amplified, preserved, and heard by past, present, and future Spartans and the San Jose community through this permanent mural.
With support from the community and University stakeholders, we aim to complete this project and have Filipino Farmworkers and our broader Filipino American history finally represented on SJSU’s campus.