About the Rosa Parks Memorial Project at Mesa College
ROSA PARKS MEMORIAL PROJECT
UNVEILING & DEDICATION
10 AM Thursday, February 25, 2010
Location: East Gateway entrance to Mesa College; corner of Mesa College Drive and Mesa College Circle
Remarks, Refreshments, Music & Entertainment
Free. The public is invited to attend!
The Rosa Parks Memorial Project honors the legacy and teachings of civil rights activist Rosa Parks who visited Mesa College several times in the early 1990s. “Mrs. Parks was not only an iconic figure of the Civil Rights Movement, she was a warm and caring presence to many people,” said Dr. Constance M. Carroll, who served as president of Mesa College during Mrs. Parks’ visits. “Our students and faculty looked forward to her visits to Mesa College, and all of us were overwhelmed by her combination of humility and courage.”
The Rosa Parks Memorial Project is designed to celebrate the legacy and attributes of the civil rights activist and especially the “Quiet Strength” that all people have within them to take a stand against repression and injustice. The unique design of the project incorporates a transit stop and an adjacent reflection area. The bus shelter features panels displaying a historical timeline with photographs; a second panel tells the history of the relationship between Rosa Parks and Mesa College. A large photographic transparency of actual Mesa College students laminated in between safety glass is displayed above the benches. The reflection area will feature Terra Cotta colored cast concrete curved walls, seating and a rose vessel.
About the Public Art Team
Dr. Gerda Govine-Ituarte, Ed.D.is C.E.O. of Govine Consulting specializing in human resources/diversity/organizational development, labor, and workplace issues.
Nina Karavasiles, Public Artist is currently working on commissions for the Colfax Bridge in Studio City, Los Angeles. She recently completed an African-American Legacy Project for Lillian Place in San Diego as well as the 70th Street Trolley Station.
Prof. Mario Lara, Public Artist is currently a member of the Department of Fine Arts faculty at Mesa College. Professor Lara’s most recent public art project is the trolley station at 25th and Commercial Trolley Station, San Diego. www.mariolara.us
Construction of the project began in spring, 2009. Completion is set for Spring 2010. Throughout fall 2009 and spring 2010 semesters, the campus will conduct academic learning experiences focusing on the attributes and legacy of Mrs. Parks, including: quiet strength; identity and empowerment; diversity and inclusion; civic engagement; leadership/mentorship and service throughout the fall semester.