Randy Vazquez, Danny McLane and Jahmal Williams pose with their community service certificates presented by the city of San Jose (photo by Associate Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications Michael Cheers).
Three Spartans have been recognized by the city for volunteering to help with San Jose’s latest street mural project.
“I’ve learned so much about the people who helped shape our culture and society. I’m in awe at artistry and what it represents,” said Danny McLane, ’16 Industrial and Systems Engineering.
McLane, Randy Vazquez, ’15 Photojournalism, and Spartan Connect Coordinator Jahmal Williams received certificates commemorating their contributions at a dedication ceremony held Dec. 2.
photo by Randy Vazquez, ’15 Photojournalism
Design
McLane, Vazquez and Williams are active in SJSU’s African American and Chicano/Latino student success task forces. The related “Fades and Fellowship” support group meets regularly on campus and at the Barbers, Inc. barbershop at East Santa Clara and South Eighth streets, where the mural is located.
The mural began as six separate studies or canvases now hanging inside the shop. Each shows one of the shop’s barbers styling a public figure, ranging from Muhammad Ali to Bruce Lee.
Vazquez recently completed a video, “Interview With An Icon: A Collection of Art and History.” The piece is part of an exhibit on the making of the mural, opening at the King Library Cultural Heritage Center in mid-January.
Inspiration
SJSU alumnus Dave Diggs, who owns the shop, said his support grew from his recent trips to Europe, where he saw street art everywhere.
He wanted to bring the same appreciation for the arts to his corner of downtown San Jose, and found in his very own shop Ian Young, a barber and artist perfect for the project.
The end result is a mural that boosts pride for all kinds of people and brings prominence to an all too often overlooked part of town.
Sponsors
A number of local sponsors contributed to the mural project. They include the San Jose Downtown Foundation, Maranatha Christian Center, Big Rentz, Sherwin-Williams and The Home Depot.