The "Black Experience" Mural located next to Panda Express in Ackerman Union was painted in the 70's, but was covered up in 1992. The mural gave representation to students who had been and were continuing to be discriminated against in the institution. Covering this up, for 20 years, was like a blow to this group of students. This was painted in response to the Kenn State University shooting, and by covering it up, the message conveyed was that the university was neglecting the injustice of this specific situation. The people portrayed in the mural are made up of smaller components- black soldiers, frightened children's faces, and other components of black history in America. Covering this up, was covering up that this ever happened.
I personally don't understand the point of covering the piece. Of course, the times when this was placed on the wall were controversial, but big-scale activist paintings should've been supported, if it wasn't out in public, at least in a school that's meant to be a safe space for students. I feel like the covering up of this piece isolated the students and made them feel more separate than before this was ever a mural. It emphasized how little support they were receiving from the institution they were attending, and for 20 years, were ignored. Now that it is uncovered, this story is important to have others learn. We like to blind ourselves to the hatred and racism that this campus has experienced and continues to have, because it is our way to cope with the idea that we aren't welcomed here. As a Chicana, I understand the importance of standing in solidarity with my POC peers, we are all united in this fight against a racist society. I am glad to have learned about this mural, and am glad that I can let others know about the events that occurred with it.
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