César E. Chávez Library Mural

 

Library Mural Project Overview

San José City College is working with muralist Carlos Rodriguez to create a mural celebrating the life of César E. Chávez. The mural will be prominently displayed on the exterior of SJCC's César E. Chávez Library, with community insights playing a key role in shaping its final form.

Mural Celebration -  See the program here. 

About the artist

Carlos RodriguezCarlos Rodriguez

Carlos Rodriguez creates murals that help communities and organizations reclaim spaces, connecting people through large, colorful images that promote cultural awareness and empowerment. His work often reflects themes of racial equity, drawing from his experience as an immigrant.

Each mural includes a workshop where diverse communities and stakeholders gather to discuss what matters to them. With a background in counseling and youth mentorship, Carlos ensures a trauma-informed, safe space for open dialog.

Originally from Mexico, Carlos immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1980s. Inspired by the Mexican Muralists, he views art as a tool for communication and empowerment. After discovering graffiti in the U.S., he started his own business in his early 20s, which he still runs with his spouse. His art has since focused on giving back to the community, with dozens of murals in his hometown, impacting thousands.

As the tlacuilo (artist) in his calpulli (chosen family), Carlos sees his role as shaping his community’s identity. Inspired by Mexican artists like Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco, he hopes his work will leave a lasting legacy of empowerment and cultural pride.

Photo Gallery

Mural projected at night

César E. Chávez Mural - Mural projected at night

Carlos sketching the mural at night.

César E. Chávez Mural - Muralist Carlos Rodriguez

Mural projected at night

César E. Chávez Mural - Mural project

Filling in the red of the rose.

César E. Chávez Mural - Roses are red...

Student tour admiring the work.

César E. Chávez Mural - Student tour admiring the work.

Mural projected progressing

César E. Chávez Mural - Mural and clouds

Mural projected progressing

César E. Chávez Mural - Mural and sky

César E. Chávez Mural - Carlos brings Cesar's vision to life with a vibrant face painting session.

César E. Chávez Mural - César

César E. Chávez Mural - Chávez Mural

César E. Chávez Mural - Dolores Huerta visits the mural

César E. Chávez Mural - Progress

Special Thanks

  • Steven Martinez, Supporting Artist
  • Guadalupe Alatorre
  • Andres Chávez
  • Chávez Family Vision, Inc.
  • Cynthia Giesing
  • César Chávez Foundation
  • Helene Rodriguez
  • Bob Fitch Photography Archive, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries
  • Carlos Marques
  • SJCC Academic Success & Student Equity Team, Student Affairs Division
  • SJCC Advocacy Leadership for Immigrant Access Support Services (ALMASS)
  • SJCC ALMASS Club Student Artists - Brenda Camargo, María Chávez, Hugo Colombus, Leisar Garcia, Quetzaly Sandoval, Bryan Santos, and Jesús Ulloa
  • SJCC César E. Chávez Library Team
  • SJCC Facilities & Operations
  • SJCC Humanities, Social Sciences, & Arts Division
  • SJCC Latinx Education Association (L.E.A.)
  • SJCC Office of the President
  • SJCC Outreach Team, Student Affairs Division
  • SJCC Students - Daniella Barrios, Bryan Castillo, Stephany Flores, Cruz Gonzalez, Kimberlyn Martinez, and Sinai Martinez
  • SJECCD Administrative Services
  • SJECCD Foundation

SJCC Theater Department's Performance of I Love Immigrants

Anita Reyes (Faculty, Theatre Arts Department) 

Vocalists: Guadalupe Ron-Lopez, Luis Radillo 

Dancers: Jonas Gonzalez, Lorenzo Nell, Regina Rodea Rodriguez 

Financial Support


Education Champion
  • SJCC Associated Student Government
  • SJCC Latinx Education Association (L.E.A.)
  • SJCC METAS Center
  • United Rentals*
Education Partner
  • Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng
  • Alpha Graphics - Sunnyvale*
  • Carmen Cervantes*
Education Star
  • Dr. Jamail D. & Rolanda Carter
  • Dr. David Wain Coon
Education Friend
  • Ryan C. Brown
  • Dr. Celia Cruz-Johnson
  • Dr. Beatriz Chaidez
  • Edwin Chandrasekar
  • Ruth Covarrubias†
  • David Rivera Garza†
  • KJ's Cafe
Education Allies
  • Dr. René Alvarez
  • Blake Balajadia
  • William Garcia
  • Takeo Kubo
  • Dr. Joyce Lui
  • Theresa Martin
  • Teresa Paiz
  • Darlene A. Specht
  • Dr. Enrique Velasco
*Denotes in-kind support.
†Denotes in memoriam

Become a Supporter

Support ongoing educational programming about the mural and the life and work of César Chávez.
Learn More

Mural Advisory Committee

  • Jesus Covarrubias
  • Dr. Celia Cruz-Johnson
  • Daniel R. Garza
  • Alex Lopez
  • Andrea Lopez
  • Xiomara Martinez
  • Anita Reyes
  • Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng

Project Contact

About the César E. Chávez Library

The SJCC César E. Chávez Library celebrates the life of its namesake. It is the only California Community College Library named after the beloved civil and labor rights hero who began organizing with the Community Services Organization in East San José's Sal Si Puedes neighborhood in the 1950s before he founded the National Farmworkers Association in 1962.

On Oct. 6, 1976, Chávez spoke to the SJCC community in the Main Gym to discuss Prop 14, which sought to give farm workers the right to a secret ballot in elections to determine union representation.

As a prime destination, the Chávez Library is a beacon of cultural belonging on a campus with a 103-year-old legacy. Its values are deeply rooted in equity, opportunity, and social justice, making it a significant part of our institution's history and culture.

The 1998 Bond funded the construction of the Chávez Library, which opened in 2003. In 2019, it underwent a mini-remodel, including an upgrade to the interior, including furniture, technology, and printing services.