Filipino Community Mural at SFSU
With assistance from over 200 students, faculty and community members, the Filipino Community Mural was dedicated on April 4, 2003 after four years of work.
The mural is divided into four sections: solidarity, community, struggle in the Philippines and struggle in the United States. It represents both ancient times and the ongoing importance placed on community and heritage. “We Stand on their Shoulders” is written in ancient Philippine script at the bottom of the mural to recognize that today’s Filipino community stands tall because of the achievements of their ancestors
In representation of solidarity, a sun rises in the background of the mural, symbolizing the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization. The rays of the sun represent the numerous regions that resisted the Spanish domination for almost 400 years. People stand linked arm and arm, in front of the sun, to represent solidarity with all people of color. A Filipino family, the center of the culture’s existence, is also shown.
Community, an important part of the Filipino culture, is represented in the mural through important figures Purmassuri, Lorena Barros, Al Robles, Violeta A. Marasigan, and Philip Vera Cruz. These icons of the culture paved the way for future generations through their bravery, dedication and persistent hard work.
The struggle in the Philippines is a component of the mural so that the Filipino-American community will not overlook it today. A carabao, a water buffalo, represents the Filipino people who are tillers of the land. Peasants are shown to represent those who continue to struggle for the rights of their lands. An image of a woman playing Kulingtang emphasizes importance of music in the Filipino indigenous culture, and students and workers are shown fighting for a dignified way of life.
The right side of the mural shows the struggle in the United States through pictures of struggle from the Filipino-American community. The top image is of the International Hotel and those displaced through eviction. Veterans and nurses are shown to represent the struggle for equality and fair pay. The DJ, balancing out the women playing Kulintang, and the SF State students represent the life and trial of the young Filipino-American culture. Lastly, the farm workers are shown planting the seeds from which the roots of the community are grown.
James Garcia was the lead artist on the mural with assistance from André Sibayan and others. It is located at North Plaza of the Cesar Chavez Student Center.
