History mural dedicated

In order to remember the trials of the past and honor the challenges that lie ahead, about 100 students, faculty and administrators crammed into a Mosher Jordan Residence Hall lounge yesterday to dedicate a new mural depicting portions of chicano/a history.

The dedication, which was hosted by Alianza as part of Chicano History Week, consisted of speakers, music and poetry readings.

Chicago artist Jeff Maldonado, the creator of the mural, said he spent long hours working on the project. The mural depicts the struggles that generations of chicano/as went through during the movement for equality and justice in both their own country and abroad.

LOUIS BROWN/Daily Chicago artist Jeff Maldonado speaks before a crowd of 100 at Mosher Jordan Residence Hall last night about a mural he painted for a hall in the lounge.

"The images just came to my head," Maldonado said. "All the elements came together."

Maldonado said that since the mural will remain in the Mosher Jordan lounge for years to come, students will become aware of chicano/a history.

"I put everything from my heart and soul in there," Maldonado said. "I know it is going be here for a long time. I am hoping to reach many people through the work."

Diana Derige, co-chair of Alianza, said that the dedication was meant to bring together the student body and bridge the gaps between different groups of people on campus.

"I am hoping to educate the people about the diversity and history for the latino people," Derige said. "It's about being a part of the University opposed to being just a visitor."

University President Lee Bollinger said he admired the spirit of the students.

"There was a wonderful blend of student political action blended with mutual support in an attempt to enhance political consciousness," Bollinger said.

Secretary and Vice President for University Relations Walter Harrison said he was impressed with the drive and perseverance of the students.

"It was a terrific tribute," Harrison said. "It really shows you how drive and dedication can get things accomplished. I was very moved."

LSA junior Rhea Little, who is a member of Alianza, said the event provides students with chicano history awareness.

"I think it brought together the University community," Little said. "People need to be more aware of chicano history."

John Matlock, assistant provost and director of the office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, said he was impressed by the number of administrators that turned out for the dedication. Matlock said the story the mural tells is of the struggles the chicano/a people have survived in order to make progress.

Matlock urged the audience not to be complacent. "We have to figure out ways to continue to move forward," Matlock said.

Derige said there are still struggles and challenges that lie ahead for the chicano/a community.

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