Rather than doing my own write up, I’d rather post the words of these two individuals. They along with Mario Gonzales, one of the original artists of the mural, worked very hard to ensure that the mural was kept in tact. I do have to give particular credit to Professor Cano for identifying the potential loss of this treasure early on. Though the administration would not admit it during the December 19th press conference, it is now documented that “digitizing,” rather than preserving the mural was a highly favored option. Without Professor Cano identifying this potential hazard to the mural, my children may never have seen the original piece.
Excerpts From Professor Lorenzo Cano’s Letter
Please allow me to thank each one of you who were involved in the struggle to convince the University to keep the Chicano Student Mural, "La Marcha de la Humanidad" in its rightful place in the Cougar Den. The architects totally changed the design of the bookstore that originally would have put the mural behind a large storage closet. Now, based on the contributions from a lot of individuals working as a team the mural will be preserved in the Cougar Den with commitments by the university to place a proper plaque explaining its purpose, history and its meaning. We will monitor the construction phase to make sure all goes well and will keep everyone posted when a formal dedication and commemoration of the mural will take place...after the renovation is completed, perhaps in a year and a half.
We certainly need to come together, sooner rather than later and have a celebration of all that worked on this historically important project. Mil Gracias!
From Diana Gutierrez, Student OrganizerGood afternoon, GREAT NEWS! As many of you know, today a few members of the coalition and supporters were invited to sit down with Dr. Walker, some SGA members, and the architects to discuss our position on the mural. We stood our ground and were met with agreement. As of today, the mural will stay in its rightful place and will become a vital part of the new University Center's bookstore. We will make sure the mural is well taken care of and its integrity is kept throughout the construction process and beyond. Thank you and congratulations to each and every supporter for your hard work and dedication, it is beyond appreciated. This is a victory for us all. take care everyone, Diana.