“Our students and their families bring a rich cultural history to this school and this community,” said Juanita Saucedo, Kanoon principal. “We love having such a significant work of art at our school that celebrates all that they bring, and all that they are working toward.”

The artist, José Juan López, said it was important to depict the symbols of the native indigenous people of Mexico, including the pantli (the first flag raised in Mexico), rays of the sun, and corn. With CTEP personnel, López conducted seminars last spring at Kanoon with the art classes and used their suggestions to design the mural, which suggests a reconnection with Mother Nature. Thirteen children are linked together supporting a young woman who holds college textbooks; behind them is the pantli, which shows an eagle holding atl-tlachinolli in its mouth, a red-and-blue symbol representing the duality of water and fire. Rising above them all is a tree with one leaf..

“That was a suggestion from one of the students,” López said. “The one leaf represents the one chance we have to take care of our environment. The atl-tlachinolli is a symbol of unity.”

Robert Lee, director of the Chicago Teacher Education Pipeline, said he hopes the mural inspires a lifelong commitment to education and that to him the one leaf also represents the power of each individual.

“We want the children of Little Village to look to education for their success, and to be part of a community of educators,” Lee said.

The CTEP has ...