SC Connecticut News

Two new wall murals at La Casa Cultural de Julia de Burgos, Yale’s Latine cultural center, will be commemorated at a special program on Wednesday, April 24. The murals celebrate Latin American cultures and represent a significant milestone for the center.

One of the murals, located in La Casa’s kitchen, showcases the diverse Latin American Indigenous communities sharing traditional foods, embodying themes of identity and connection within the Yale community. Rebecca Sosa-Coba, a Yale College junior and La Casa peer liaison, led the collaborative project, while Zoe Cire, a student at Yale School of Art, provided technical assistance. Sosa-Coba expressed that the mural reflects the essence of La Casa, stating, "The mural reflects the vibrant and inclusive spirit of La Casa, highlighting themes of identity, connection, and shared experiences within the Yale community."

The second mural, situated in a room used by the Despierta Boricua student organization, pays homage to the center's founding by Puerto Rican student activists. Danielle De Jesus, the artist behind this mural, aimed to create a welcoming space for Puerto Rican students, whether they are from Puerto Rico or the diaspora. De Jesus shared her inspiration, saying, "I wanted to make this a welcoming spot for Puerto Rican students, to make them feel at home, whether they grew up in Puerto Rico or in the diaspora."

Maria de Los Angeles, assistant director in painting and printmaking, expressed her satisfaction with the project's development, stating, "It was wonderful how quickly it all came about." The event, titled "Muraling Cultures and Histories of Latinidad at Yale," will feature an artist talk by De Jesus at the Yale School of Art, followed by the viewing of the murals and a reception at La Casa.

De Jesus envisioned the murals as more than just artwork, aiming to provide a space for students to honor their ancestors. She shared her hopes for the future, stating, "I wanted the students to have a place to honor their ancestors that have guided them to this space."

The new murals at La Casa Cultural de Julia de Burgos stand as a testament to the celebration of Latin American cultures and the rich diversity within the Yale community.