SFSU made history today when students unveiled the Filipino Community Mural at the Cesar Chavez Student Center. The mural is the first in the California State University system to depict Filipino history.

The mural is a collaborative effort painted by 200 students, faculty, staff and community members, with lead artists James Garcia and Christina Carpio. It was permanently installed on the north plaza outside the Cesar Chavez Student Center, joining memorials to Cesar E. Chavez, Malcolm X, Rigoberta Menchu, Richard Oakes, Jack Adams and Rosa Parks.

The mural depicts community, the Filipino struggle for independence, struggles of Filipinos in the United States, solidarity and Filipino history. Planning for the mural began four years ago by a student who wanted to honor Filipinos in the same way other ethnic groups are recognized on campus.

Student Michelle Guevarra said the mural is important to the campus as a tool to inspire students.

"The mural unveils the true strength and spirit of our people that should be honored and remembered eternally," said Guevarra, 23, a double major in Asian American studies and psychology.