Cindy Rocha is one of the muralists of Chicano Park’s new mural commemorating Anastasio Hernandez Rojas and his family. She is a mentee of Victor Ochoa, who is also one of the muralists involved in the project.
Cindy is studying Studio Art at California State University, Long Beach. She prides herself not only on her work ethic and commitment to her projects, but also on her ability to process emotionally-charged subject matter in a way that allows her to remain in touch with her emotions.
Because this mural engages with the themes of law enforcement brutality, racial discrimination, and anti-immigrant sentiment, Cindy’s contribution help this mural convey the pain and injustice that victims of murder by CBP, ICE, and the police, as well as their families, feel in a way that changes hearts and minds.
Growing up in a large Brown family, she feels that in many ways, her close encounters with police racial profiling and harassment, Black and Brown people are repressed from an early age and even robbed of a childhood . She wishes that anyone who sees this mural, despite their politics, can understand why it is important to stand up against police brutality. Cindy hopes that through her art, people who have not had these experiences can feel the pain and anger that she feels in order to bring people to action.
Alexander W
June 1, 2023 — 9:33 am
It was an incredible Oral History to listen to! Being able to hear about stories you really can not see in most places.
Mekayla
June 9, 2023 — 1:43 pm
Thank you so much for sharing part of your story and experiences. I had no idea that border patrol used the alphabet codes, and that it was and IS so racist. This is important to know, it provides further perspective in the ongoing work our communities have to do for an anti-racist, equitable, just society.