Existing Works of Public Art at SJSU

Our proposal for the Japanese-American memorial is not the first, nor the last, instance of public art as social justice on campus at SJSU.

If you have not already, take a walk to observe the existing memorials around San Jose State's campus.

Near the student union, you will find the Cesar Chavez Monument, also named the Arch of Dignity, Equality, and Justice. Mosaic images of Gandhi, Dolores Huerta, and farm workers surround the memorial. A mosaic pathway also circles the arch to symbolize the pilgrimages taken by thousands of individuals in protest for labor rights. Along the pathway there are memorable quotes from Chavez, such as "soon the grapes will be sweet again".

Cesar Chavez was an American farm worker and civil rights activist. He worked along side Dolores Huerta to establish the United Farm Workers Union (a.k.a. the National Farm Workers Association). Chavez fought for worker's rights, animal rights, human rights, educational equality, and immigration policy. The memorial is especially relevant to SJSU, as Chavez lived and raised his eight children here in San Jose, California.

To learn more about the Cesar Chavez memorial, click here

More about the artist, click here

In between Clark Hall and Tower Hall, you will find yourself in the shadow of the Tommie Smith and John Carlos statue. The larger than life statue depicts Smith and Carlos standing 1st and 3rd on the Olympic Podium in 1968. The silver medalist, Peter Norman, was omitted from the statue to allow for viewers to stand in solidarity (as Norman did) with Smith and Carlos.

The year 1968 was filled with turmoil. Civil rights protests were taking place around the world. Smith and Carlos, then San Jose State students, made history at the 1968 Olympics when they raised black fists to the sky in protest of human rights struggles in the U.S. Their silent, but bold protest signified black power, pride, peace, unity, lynchings, and poverty.

It is also important to note that SJSU students proposed, designed, and funded this project. We admire the determination of these students and look to their project for guidance in our own endeavors.

Click here to read a NY Times piece on the Smith and Carlos statue.