UCSF to Host Diversity Mural Celebration

UCSF will celebrate the official commemoration of the diversity art project, a powerful mural depicting the struggle for civil rights and social justice, with local multicultural artist Juana Alicia on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The campus community is invited to celebrate diversity at an event featuring Sanarte – Diversity’s Pathway, a mural by Alicia that adorns the walls and pathway above the elevator banks on the building adjacent to the Ambulatory Care Center on the UCSF Parnassus campus. The diversity art celebration is part of a monthlong series of events. The event runs from noon to 2 p.m. in the Millberry Union Gymnasium on the Parnassus campus and features various artistic renditions of diversity in the form of music, dance and food. Championed by the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Diversity, the mural project is part of UCSF’s ongoing efforts to establish a culture of, and appreciation for, diversity in its many forms on the campus. Nurturing diversity is one of seven major directions outlined in the UCSF Strategic Plan. “I believe it’s very important to celebrate diversity, and I think Juana’s mural honors many of those who have made sacrifices for social justice here at UCSF,” said Haile Debas, MD, executive director of UCSF Global Health Sciences. “I think having a celebration which links diversity’s past struggle to our present-day one provides meaningful context.” Debas, along with several individuals from UCSF’s social justice history, is featured on the mural, which highlights the breadth of diversity on campus – ethnic, gender, national origin, class – as well as diversity of thoughts and ideas. “The mural project celebrates and symbolizes diversity as it is based on unity through diversity, and the notion that dualities create a whole, vibrant and ever-changing world,” said Alicia. “I have also included imagery inspired from wave theory, such as damped and orthogonal oscillations, as motifs in the designs.” At noon, Chancellor J. Michael Bishop, MD, will offer introductory remarks. Bishop has been a longtime supporter of public art on campus, including the Sanarte project, which features a quote, taken from his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, on the southwest side of the mural. The chancellor believes that “one of our noblest challenges is the need to honor and pursue diversity within every element of our campus community.” Alicia, who identifies as a Chicana artist, will offer insight into her process of creating the mural. An educator for 25 years, Alicia currently teaches at Berkeley City College. Alicia has worked in many areas of education, from community organizing to migrant and bilingual and arts education. She believes that it is her “responsibility as an artist to be an activist for social justice, human rights and environmental health.” Live performances include jazz music by Dianthe “Dee” Spencer, a professor of music in the School of Music and Dance at San Francisco State University. Spencer is a pianist, keyboardist, vocalist, composer and director. Spencer will be playing the grand piano and singing. A historical video, produced by UCSF Public Affairs, provides an emotional glimpse into the climate around the UCSF janitors’ strike of 1970. The black caucus, which supported the strike, was instrumental in starting the conversation that would move UCSF toward a future that now includes greater diversity in the health sciences professions and the strategy to create a more diverse campus community. The Chitresh Das Dance Company will perform kathak, a classical dance form of North India. Kathak is known for its fast footwork, swift spins and mimed stories. The performance will feature an innovative technique within the kathak tradition, known as kathak yoga, developed by Pandit Chitresh Das, in which the dancer sings the melody of the rhythmic structure while simultaneously performing complex compositions and playing a musical instrument. Following the program on stage, attendees are invited to a reception from 1 to 2 p.m. with food provided by Ms. D’s Fabulous Kitchen Catering. Individuals can enjoy the Southern-style food outdoors while watching the unveiling of the newly cleaned mural. Alicia will be on hand to answer questions. About Sanarte With a focus on the special history of UCSF, the murals represent global healing traditions. Collectively, the images emphasize the unique efforts of individuals and UCSF’s commitment to diversity. The panels of the mural depict: Ollin, or movement: This panel celebrates unity in diversity and depicts the complementary nature of opposites. Ollin means moving, earth shaking or changing in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Traditions: This panel celebrates the importance of relationships and interdependence as keys to survival and prosperity. Strike: The strike panel honors the activists and actions at UCSF in support of civil rights during the early 1970s. Tools for Healing: The frieze that spans the length of the building comprises 100 tiles representing healing tools from different cultures.