If the past two months have been especially colorful at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), it’s largely because of the newly-painted mural at the Campus Center, dedicated to Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (AAPI+) heritage in the U.S.
Community members as well as SBCC students and staff are invited to attend a dedication of the mural, 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 at SBCC’s East Campus, Campus Center Patio. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be open parking on campus during the event
The project was conceived, designed and painted via a partnership between SBCC’s AAPI+ staff and faculty group; the SBCC Asian Student Union; and Twin Walls Mural Company.
The mural serves as a visual reminder of the importance of the AAPI+ community on and off campus (the diaspora cultures existing as a result of the diffusion of Asian communities throughout the world, often through forced dispersion), as well as noting their contributions to the U.S., many of them illustrated on the mural.
The AAPI+ image is the latest of three murals painted on the sides of the Campus Center on East Campus. Also adorning the building’s walls are the Umoja mural, painted in October 2022, by Bay Area Mural Company, honoring Black history and joy; and the mural “Metamorphosis of Reality,” focusing on Mexican history and empowerment, painted in 1976 by Manuel Unzueta
The Campus Center building houses the cafeteria, Office of Student Life and Centers for Equality and Social Justice (CESJ).
”I am thrilled to have participated in this important and timely project that honors the lives and contributions of Asian American, Pacific Islander and Desi Americans in the U.S.,” said Roxane Byrne, director of Student Equity and Engagement Programs, and cofounder of the SBCC AAPI+ Staff and Faculty Association.
“To see these stories of struggle, resilience, perseverance and unity represented at SBCC means so much to me and other AAPI students, faculty and staff,” she said. “It is especially impactful to have our mural alongside the murals celebrating Black and Latine’ communities. We are all in this together and representation matters.”
“We’re delighted to introduce the new mural honoring AAPI+ heritage on campus,” said SBCC Superintendent/President Erika Endrijonas. “Its addition provides students and staff with a sense of belonging and pride in honoring their cultural heritages.
“We welcome all on campus and in the community to stop by campus and view all three of the murals.”