Chaffey Celebrates Freedom with Juneteenth Mural Dedication

Shades of orange and burgundy paint the sky behind Cucamonga Peak as a rich green savannah and a golden wheat field unfurl below. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Sojourner Truth and other historic icons stretch across the landscape.

It’s the setting for Chaffey College’s new Juneteenth mural by artist Samuel Dunson, officially unveiled in the Library Learning Commons during a mural dedication Feb. 26.

“When we decided to commission a work of art to celebrate the joy and history of Juneteenth, we were very fortunate to find Sam Dunson,” said Chaffey College Superintendent/President Henry D. Shannon. “His amazing talent shines through in this mural, which serves as a testament to the rich history of Juneteenth in America and what it means for our future.”

Called “We Go Forth to Build a Home Called Freedom,” the mural incorporates themes of celebration, education, reflection and empowerment. The themes can be seen in the faces of children, Chaffey College students at graduation, Malcolm X and Mae Jemison – the first Black woman to travel to space — among others.

Holding Jemison’s hand is civil rights activist Ruby Bridges as a child, a nod to Bridges’ role in paving the way for Black Americans to be integrated in public schools.

“Every single person, whether they are recognized or unrecognized, is doing a job to tell us what freedom is,” Dunson said.

Wignall Museum Director Rebecca Trawick called the mural a powerful and moving work.

“Dunson’s ability to seamlessly weave together the past, present and the future — while portraying Juneteenth as more than a historic milestone — set his vision apart,” she said.

Chaffey College Student Government President Matthew Caddell described the freedom of Juneteenth not as a freedom that simply arrives, but one that is pursued, built and protected.

“Every time a student sits in this library, exhausted but determined, rewriting that essay, solving that equation, preparing for a future that maybe no one in their family has reached before — they are stepping from shadow into light,” he said.

The mural can be seen on the second floor of the newly-opened Library Learning Commons. The campus and surrounding community gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the building Feb. 12.

“We are truly proud to display this artwork, and thank Mr. Dunson for sharing his tremendous talent with us,” said Chaffey College Governing Board President Gloria Negrete-McLeod. “This mural will be seen by students, faculty and staff for generations to come.”