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.About the artist
Carlos 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 Alvaroro Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco, he hopes his work will leave a lasting legacy of empowerment
and cultural pride.
Photo Gallery
César E. Chávez Mural - Mural projected at night
César E. Chávez Mural - Muralist Carlos Rodriguez
César E. Chávez Mural - Mural project
César E. Chávez Mural - Roses are red...
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
- Director of Marketing & Public Relations
- Daniel R. Garza
- (408) 288-3163
- Daniel.Garza@sjcc.edu
- Division Dean Language Arts
- Celia Cruz-Johnson
- Celia.Cruz-Johnson@sjcc.edu
Special Thanks
- SJCC Office of the President
- SJCC Facilities & Operations
- SJECCD Adminstrative Services
- SJECCD Foundation
- SJCC Latino Education Association (LEA)
- SJCC Advocacy Leadership for Immigrant Access Support Services (ALMASS)
- Steven Martinez, Supporting Artist
- Flint
- Chavez Family Vision, Inc.
- Cesar Chavez Foundation
- Andres Chavez
- Bob Fitch Photography Archive, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries
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 Jose's Sal Si Puedes neighborhood in the 1950s before he founded the National Farmworkers Association in 1962.
On Oct. 6, 1976, Chavez 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 Chavez Library, which opened in 2003. In 2019, it underwent a mini-remodel, including an upgrade to the interior, including furniture, technology, and printing services.