This mural celebrates Black history, experiences, dreams, and cultural contributions in the context of Santa Cruz and the surrounding region. It highlights influential leaders and thinkers, well-known historical figures, some lesser known activists, and some local changemakers in literature, politics, journalism, athletics, and the arts.

This mural was initiated and sponsored by the Cabrillo College Umoja Community. It is the result of collaboration between guest instructor Abi Mustapha, Cabrillo art instructors Rebecca Ramos and Claire Thorson, and students from the Fall 2024 ART 91 Public Art Painting class: Andre Albanese, Aya Avidov, Aidan Botticella, Sofia Chasey, Cat Conable, Jenny Dowd, Serika Drake, Sophie Dudley, Joel Froloff, Raymond Gallardo, Luke Johnson, Leo Lee-Yahng, Bailey Mills, Rey Olivas, Brook Picket, Serenity Ross, Nia Saleem, and Buddy Williams.

Our design was created in a classroom where we learned about local muralists, contemporary Black artists, the Harlem Renaissance, the Civil Rights Movement, and other important moments in Black history—and where we had the opportunity to gain insight from Black community members.

With special thanks to Alta Cilicia Northcutt and the Cabrillo Umoja Community.

Este mural celebra la historia, las experiencias, los sueños y las contribuciones culturales de los negros en el contexto de Santa Cruz y la región. Destaca a líderes, y pensadores influyentes, figuras históricas conocidas, algunos activistas menos conocidos y algunos creadores de cambios locales en literatura, política, periodismo, atletismo y las artes.

Este mural fue iniciado y patrocinado por la comunidad Umoja del Colegio Cabrillo. Es el resultado de la colaboración entre la instructora invitada Abi Mustapha, las instructoras de arte de Cabrillo Rebecca Ramos y Claire Thorson, y los estudiantes de la clase de arte público ART 91 de otoño 2024: Andre Albanese, Aya Avidov, Aidan Botticella, Sofia Chasey, Cat Conable, Jenny Dowd, Serika Drake, Sophie Dudley, Joel Froloff, Raymond Gallardo, Luke Johnson, Leo Lee-Yahng, Bailey Mills, Rey Olivas, Brook Picket, Serenity Ross, Nia Saleem y Buddy Williams.

Nuestro diseño fue creado en un entorno donde aprendimos sobre muralistas locales, artistas negros contemporáneos, el Renacimiento de Harlem, el Movimiento por los Derechos Civiles y otros momentos importantes de la historia negra, y donde tuvimos la oportunidad de conocer las opiniones de los miembros de la comunidad negra.

Un agradecimiento especial a Alta Cilicia Northcutt y la comunidad de Cabrillo Umoja.

The subjects of this mural were chosen through weeks of deliberation from students in the class as well as input from community members. An effort was made to include some historically recognizable figures as well as some influential people who may not be as commonly known but we thought should be. We purposefully opted to hold space in this way, which means there are obviously many very popular and influential people left out this time. We did not want to be repetitive in this way.

Murals Subjects are as followed from left to right:

• Harriet Tubman (March 1822- March 10, 1913) was an African American abolitionist, humanitarian, and spy during the Civil War. Born into slavery in Maryland, she escaped to freedom in the North in 1849. Tubman became renowned for her work as the conductor of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Over the course of about a decade, she personally led many slaves to safety. In addition to her abolitionist efforts, Tubman served as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War, gathering intelligence and leading raids that freed hundreds of enslaved people.

• Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) was a renowned abolitionist, writer, orator, and social reformer who escaped slavery to become one of the most influential figures in American history. Born into slavery in Maryland, Douglass taught himself to read and write, recognizing education as a path to freedom. After escaping in 1838, he became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, captivating audiences with his powerful speeches that exposed the brutal realities of slavery. Douglass authored several autobiographies, including the seminal Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, which detailed his journey from bondage to freedom. He also advocated for women's suffrage, civil rights, and equality for all marginalized groups. As an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln and the first African American nominated for Vice President, Douglass's legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, justice, and the relentless pursuit of human dignity.

• Bessie Coleman (1892–1926) was a pioneering aviator and the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. Born in Atlanta, Texas, Coleman faced racial and gender barriers throughout her life but remained determined to pursue her dreams. When U.S. flight schools denied her entry due to discrimination, she moved to France, where she earned her pilot’s license in 1921 from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Known as "Queen Bess," Coleman became a celebrated stunt pilot, captivating audiences with her daring aerial performances. She used her platform to inspire others, advocating for racial equality and encouraging African Americans to pursue aviation. Though her life was tragically cut short in a plane crash at age 34, Coleman’s legacy endures as a trailblazer who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations in aviation.

• Rosa Parks ( 1913-2005) was a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. Known as "the mother of the modern civil rights movement," Parks became an icon of resistance to racial segregation after she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, on December 1, 1955. Her act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 381-day protest led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that eventually led to a Supreme Court ruling declaring segregation on public buses unconstitutional. Parks was a lifelong advocate for racial equality, working with organizations such as the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). She also participated in marches, protests, and other civil rights activities throughout her life. Parks faced numerous challenges and threats after her arrest but remained steadfast in her commitment to justice. After her act of courage, Parks continued to work for civil rights, serving as a symbol of dignity, resilience, and the fight for racial equality. She received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and remains an enduring symbol of resistance against oppression. Parks passed away on October 24, 2005, leaving a legacy of courage that inspired generations.

• Malcolm X (1925–1965) was a prominent African American civil rights leader, activist, and orator who advocated for Black empowerment and justice. Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska, he experienced a tumultuous childhood marked by systemic racism and personal tragedy. After serving time in prison, he embraced the teachings of the Nation of Islam, changed his name to Malcolm X to reject his "slave name," and became a powerful voice for Black self-determination, pride, and resistance to oppression. Malcolm X’s philosophy evolved throughout his life. After leaving the Nation of Islam in 1964, he founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity and embraced a more inclusive approach to human rights while continuing to challenge racial injustice. His autobiography, co-written with Alex Haley, remains a seminal work that highlights his journey of transformation and activism. Tragically assassinated in 1965, Malcolm X remains an enduring symbol of courage, resilience, and the struggle for equality

• Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005) was a trailblazing American politician, educator, and author who made history as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968. Representing New York’s 12th Congressional District for seven terms, Chisholm championed social justice, education, and civil rights. Her bold motto, "Unbought and Unbossed," reflected her unwavering commitment to independence and advocacy for marginalized communities. In 1972, Chisholm broke another barrier by becoming the first Black woman to seek a major party's nomination for President of the United States. Though her candidacy faced significant challenges, it symbolized hope and inspiration for countless Americans. A passionate advocate for women’s rights and racial equality, she left a legacy of courage, resilience, and transformative leadership that continues to inspire generations.

• Breonna Taylor (1993–2020) was a young woman whose life and tragic death became a powerful symbol in the fight against systemic racism and police violence in the United States. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Breonna was an accomplished emergency medical technician (EMT) and aspiring nurse, known for her compassion and dedication to helping others. On March 13, 2020, Breonna was fatally shot by police during a botched raid on her apartment, sparking nationwide protests and calls for justice. Her death became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement, highlighting issues of racial injustice and the urgent need for police reform. Despite her untimely passing, Breonna Taylor’s legacy endures as a catalyst for social change and a reminder of the work needed to ensure equity and justice for all.

• Audre Lorde (1934–1992) was a prolific poet, essayist, and activist whose work explored the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and identity. A self-described "Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet," Lorde used her writing and activism to confront injustices and empower marginalized communities. Her groundbreaking works, such as The Black Unicorn and Sister Outsider, remain essential texts in feminist, LGBTQ+, and Black liberation movements. Deeply committed to social justice, Lorde's work emphasized the importance of intersectionality and the need for collective action. She believed in the power of self-expression as a tool for resistance and healing, famously stating, "Your silence will not protect you." Through her art and advocacy, Lorde forged a path for others to embrace their identities and fight for equity and inclusion, leaving a lasting impact on the literary and activist worlds.

• Barack Obama (1961-) is a historic figure in American politics, serving as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and becoming the first African American to hold the nation’s highest office. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Obama graduated from Columbia University and earned his law degree from Harvard Law School, where he was the first Black president of the Harvard Law Review. Before entering politics, he worked as a community organizer in Chicago and taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago.As president, Obama focused on expanding healthcare through the Affordable Care Act, addressing climate change, advancing economic recovery after the Great Recession, and championing progressive causes like marriage equality. Known for his eloquence, empathy, and focus on unity, he remains a global advocate for democracy, social justice, and leadership through the Obama Foundation, continuing to inspire individuals worldwide.

• John Lewis (1940–2020) was an iconic American civil rights leader, congressman, and advocate for nonviolent social change. Born to sharecroppers in Troy, Alabama, Lewis became a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement, organizing sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and voter registration drives. As chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), he was one of the "Big Six" leaders who organized the 1963 March on Washington. His steadfast commitment to justice was epitomized on "Bloody Sunday" in 1965, when he led a march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and was brutally beaten by state troopers. In 1987, Lewis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served Georgia's 5th District for over three decades. Known as the "conscience of Congress," he tirelessly fought for civil rights, voting rights, and social equity. His life’s work, grounded in his philosophy of "good trouble," left a profound legacy of courage, perseverance, and moral clarity.

• Richard Mayhew (1924-2024) is an acclaimed African American artist known for his vibrant and evocative landscapes that blend elements of abstraction and realism. Born in Amityville, New York, Mayhew’s art is deeply rooted in his African American and Native American heritage, often reflecting themes of nature, spirituality, and identity. His use of color and form creates atmospheric works that transcend traditional landscape painting, offering a meditative and emotional experience. A key figure in the Spiral Group, an influential collective of Black artists formed during the Civil Rights Movement, Mayhew contributed to critical conversations about race, culture, and artistic expression. His work has been widely exhibited and celebrated for its unique ability to convey mood and meaning while fostering a connection to the natural world. Mayhew moved to Santa Cruz County after retiring as Professor Emeritus from Penn State University. He remained an active painter until his death at the age of 100.

• Justin Cummings (1983-) is a respected environmental scientist and politician currently serving as the Third District Supervisor for Santa Cruz County, California, representing Santa Cruz and the North Coast, including areas such as Davenport and Bonny Doon. In December 2024, Cummings made history again as the first African American elected chair of the California Coastal Commission, a key agency overseeing land use and development along California's coastline. Before becoming County Supervisor, he served on the Santa Cruz City Council, earning the most votes in the 2018 election. In 2020, he became the city’s mayor, leading during pivotal moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the social justice movement after George Floyd’s murder, and the CZU fires. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, Cummings earned a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a focus on invasive species management and tropical forest restoration. He also founded the UCSC Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program to foster diverse leadership in environmental conservation.

• Micha Scott is a distinguished dancer, educator, and choreographer with over three decades of experience in the performing arts. She spent 13 years as a senior member of the renowned Garth Fagan Dance company, performing leading roles in many of Mr. Fagan’s works, including 'From Before', 'Collage For Romie', 'Transition/Translation', and the seminal collaboration with trumpeter/composer Wynton Marsalis, 'Griot New York'. She has been featured in Essence, Time Magazine, and Dance Magazine, and as a soloist in the PBS televised series Dance In America. Since relocating to Santa Cruz, California, Micha has become deeply involved in the local dance community championing access, equity and excellence. She has served as the Artistic Director at Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center (TWDCC) since 2011 and took on the role of Executive Director in 2021. In addition to her leadership at TWDCC, Micha has been a dance instructor at Dancenter since 2008 and has taught at various institutions, including Santa Clara University, the University of California at Santa Cruz, and Cabrillo College. Her commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive dance environment has made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Santa Cruz.

• Angela Y. Davis (1944-) is an internationally renowned activist, scholar, and author who has dedicated her life to combating oppression in all its forms. Her activism began in her youth in Birmingham, Alabama, and continued through her education and career. She gained national attention in 1969 when her teaching position at UCLA was terminated due to her social activism and membership in the Communist Party, USA. In 1970, she was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List on false charges, leading to a widely publicized trial and her eventual acquittal in 1972. Throughout her career, Davis has been a vocal advocate for prisoners' rights and a key figure in the prison abolition movement, co-founding Critical Resistance and collaborating with international abolitionist groups. Davis has authored nine influential books, including Women, Race, and Class and Are Prisons Obsolete?, addressing systemic racism, feminism, and the prison-industrial complex. Despite facing significant opposition, including efforts by former California Governor Ronald Reagan to bar her from teaching, she became a Distinguished Professor Emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz. A sought-after speaker and educator, Davis has lectured globally, urging audiences to envision a world without prisons and to build a 21st-century abolitionist movement. Her enduring legacy lies in her unwavering commitment to justice, education, and transformative social change.

• Debra Hill-Allston, (1953-) originally from El Dorado, Arkansas, relocated to California during the Second Great Migration, a time when many Black individuals from the South sought improved opportunities. She has proudly called Santa Cruz County her home for 42 years. Her mother, Ms. Francile (Big Mama) McDuffie-Hill, served as the President of the NAACP branch 1071 in Santa Cruz County, which inspired Deborah's dedication to social justice and civil rights. Deborah has also taken on multiple terms as the President of the NAACP branch 1071 and has been an active member of the Executive Committee. Together with her husband Alex, she has raised three children and three grandsons in Santa Cruz. Deborah’s daughter, Ariba, works at Cabrillo, where she has witnessed the transformative impact of this institution and feels honored that her mother is represented in the mural created by Cabrillo students.

• Don Williams is a respected leader in the Santa Cruz community and currently serves as Vice President of the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch. In addition to his work with the NAACP, Williams has made significant contributions to arts and education. In 1989, he began teaching at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), where he established the African American Theater Arts Troupe (AATAT). This groundbreaking initiative introduced Black theater to the campus, addressing the under-representation of Black voices in the theater arts department. He is also an adjunct professor at Cabrillo College. Under Williams's guidance, AATAT has staged numerous productions, including Dominique Morisseau's Pipeline, which highlights stories central to the Black experience. His ongoing efforts to foster cultural diversity and advocate for social justice have left a meaningful and enduring legacy within UCSC and the larger Santa Cruz community.

• Marty Grimes (1962-) is a trailblazing skateboarder from Los Angeles, California, who began skating in the early 1970s. Inspired by surfing, he developed a smooth and dynamic style that set him apart. Along with his brother, Clyde, Grimes made history as one of the first African-American professional skateboarders, with both turning pro at the same time. He joined the EZ Ryder team, which later became Z-Flex, where he became the first Black skater to have a signature model deck. Over the course of his career, Grimes became renowned for skating at iconic locations like the Bellagio and Revere schoolyards, as well as legendary pools such as the original Key Hole and the Dog Bowl. His influence and achievements were celebrated with his induction into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2020. In addition to skating, Grimes has worked in Hollywood’s props department and founded Hoodwood Skateboards, combining his love of the sport with craftsmanship.

• Chelsea Woody is a dedicated surfer and healthcare professional based in Santa Cruz, California. Originally from Seattle, she and her husband relocated to Santa Cruz to pursue their passion for surfing daily. As one of the few Black women in the local surf community, Chelsea co-founded Textured Waves, a collective aimed at promoting inclusivity and representation for women of color in surfing. In collaboration with Vans, Chelsea released the short film Night Crawler, which explores her experiences surfing during the pandemic and challenges historical perceptions of women of color in surfing. Balancing her roles as a nurse and an activist, Chelsea continues to inspire and advocate for a more inclusive surf culture.

• Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992) was a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ activist, drag performer, and self-identified "Street Queen" of New York City. A Black transgender woman, Johnson was a prominent figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, best known for her role in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, which ignited the modern gay rights movement. Bold, charismatic, and compassionate, she dedicated her life to advocating for marginalized communities, particularly homeless LGBTQ+ youth and sex workers. In 1970, Johnson co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Sylvia Rivera, providing housing and support for homeless transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. A fixture of the Greenwich Village scene, she was also a performer with the avant-garde theater troupe Hot Peaches. Despite facing significant challenges, Johnson remained a powerful force for visibility and liberation. Her legacy as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights and her enduring influence on the fight for equality continue to inspire activism and remembrance worldwide.

• James Baldwin (1924–1987) was a renowned American writer, playwright, and social critic whose works explored the complexities of race, sexuality, and identity in America. Born in Harlem, New York, Baldwin used his experiences as a Black gay man to craft powerful narratives that challenged societal norms and illuminated the struggles of marginalized communities. His groundbreaking works, including Go Tell It on the Mountain, Giovanni’s Room, and The Fire Next Time, established him as one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. Baldwin’s eloquence and insight made him a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, where he advocated for justice and equality through both his writings and public speeches. His works remain deeply relevant, offering profound reflections on intersectionality, love, and the enduring fight against oppression. Baldwin’s legacy continues to inspire generations of writers, activists, and thinkers worldwide.

• Jacob Lawrence (1917–2000) was a groundbreaking African American painter and storyteller, celebrated for his dynamic and vivid depictions of the African American experience. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and raised in Harlem, Lawrence developed a passion for art during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that deeply influenced his work. He gained recognition at a young age for his bold use of color, simplified forms, and narrative style, which he used to document historical and contemporary struggles for freedom and equality. Lawrence is best known for his "Migration Series" (1940–1941), a collection of 60 panels illustrating the Great Migration, in which millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to northern cities in search of better opportunities. Throughout his career, he explored themes of resilience, community, and social justice, often focusing on key figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Toussaint L’Ouverture. His art, which bridges modernism and realism, continues to inspire as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and history.

• Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) was a pioneering journalist, civil rights activist, and suffragist whose relentless pursuit of justice made her one of the most influential figures of her time. Born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi, she rose to prominence as a fearless investigative journalist, exposing the horrors of lynching in America through her groundbreaking reporting and activism. Her pamphlets, such as Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases, challenged widespread racial violence and galvanized national and international attention to the injustices faced by African Americans. In addition to her anti-lynching campaign, Wells was a staunch advocate for women's suffrage and a founding member of both the NAACP and the National Association of Colored Women. Her unwavering commitment to equality and her courage in confronting systemic oppression left a lasting legacy in the fight for civil rights and justice. Today, she is celebrated as a trailblazer who used the power of her voice and pen to demand change and inspire future generations. Ida spent a considerable amount of time in Santa Cruz from 1893-1894.