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By Veronica Resa
City Colleges of Chicago
The mural stands 8 by 10 feet, and when you take the time to look at it— some say it has the power to transport you to another world.
“I enjoy painting and had a mural business many years before I joined Richard J. Daley College,” said Bianca Rodriguez, director of Richard J. Daley College’s Transfer Center. “Daley College has a strong history of creating and displaying murals. So when we received the Seal of Excelencia this past fall, and President Janine Janosky asked me to create a concept for a mural incorporating our entire college community, it all just clicked because Daley Colleges belongs to the community.”
“I think the mural captures the spirit of the people of Daley College, our campus culture, our Daley community, and our mission,” said President Janine Janosky, Richard J. Daley College.
The public may view the mural during Daley College’s open houses scheduled for this spring and summer.
The mural depicts the ancient and legendary Aztec spirit bird. The ancient Mayan/Aztec symbol of an eagle in flight has long been recognized as a symbol of strength and pride.
“The Mexican eagle, also depicted, is fused with a monarch butterfly in traditional Mexican colors as a tribute to Daley’s undocumented students and allies,” Rodriguez said. “Plants and flowers, like the Sunflower and Calla Lily are testaments to the beauty of Latino culture – hope, freedom and the timeless pursuit of goodness.”
Rodriguez hopes this art is open to interpretation because she explained it truly was inspired by Daley’s students, faculty and staff. The bright and active mural includes imagery of Frida Kahlo, Chicago’s official flag and a fiery sunflower. The tribal feathers also illustrated represent the indigenous peoples of the area that include the Chippewa, Potawatomi and Ottawa nations.
“The Flower of Nations represents seven Latin American countries and Puerto Rico, representative of the origins of many of our students,” Rodriguez added.
Rodriguez further explained that the floral intertwining of African, Indigenous and European influences celebrates diversity and resilience.
“Through the mural, we celebrate this fusion, honoring the voices and stories of Afro-Latino communities that have shaped our shared identity. Although we are of different cultures, this mural represents unity, inclusion and diversity,” she said.
“I feel the mural represents the diverse Latin cultures present in our little part of Chicago. From the butterfly resembling the Mexican flag to the flower composed of flags from various Latin countries, this piece proudly declares, ‘I am proud of my heritage.’ This message holds particular significance during these fragmented times,” said Daley College’s Student Government Vice President Davian Vega.