A new mural depicting civil rights activist César Chávez now welcomes folks to the East Austin street that bears his name.
Artists, elected officials, community members and special guest Alejandro Chávez, grandson of the labor movement leader, gathered last weekend on the corner of César Chávez and Waller Streets to inaugurate the mural with a City of Austin proclamation.
Arte Texas – a group that works to preserve and restore East Austin murals as well as create new ones – gave a deteriorating mural on 1204 E. César Chávez St. new life with an updated César Chávez design for future generations.
Longtime artists Mando “Taner” Martinez, Amado Castillo III, and Mark Anthony Gonzales along with emerging artist Amado L. Castillo IV came together to create the mural, which was honored with its own “César Chávez Mural Day” by the city on March 25.
“Chávez organized movements, famous marches and peaceful demonstrations across the states,” said Bertha Rendon Delgado, founder of Arte Texas, as she read from the proclamation during the outdoor ceremony. “César Chávez taught us to be proud of our identity, taught us to organize and educate and advocate for the oppressed and continue the lucha for our raza.”
Chávez’ grandson, Alejandro, expressed with attendees the importance of sharing our own stories, especially through art. The “Sí Se Puede attitude,” he said, means not giving up and embodying the spirit of community murals. Chávez said that included helping register people to vote, getting involved in local school boards or civic organizations.
“We are the tip of the spear,” he said. “The only way to make that change is to have a Sí Se Puede attitude.”
