Sacramento Poderosas’ Mural
The use of symbols in the mural embraces a rich heritage. In Sacramento Poderosas’ own words:
“The nopal, the mariposa, the roots, the flowers growing through cement, the yemaya, the ollin, have all taught us how to survive under harsh conditions and maintain hope.
The nopal’s strength comes from within with its ability to store water in harsh conditions, and yet still give birth to flowers and fruit. It forever reminds us that truth and beauty come from within.
The mariposa (butterfly) signals support for our immigrant communities at a time when fear of deportation and racism are on the rise. The mariposa represents the beauty of migration. Roots support and sustain us; they spread out to neighboring trees where we find our stability in outreach and service to others, in collaboration, respect, empathy, and dignity for others.
The tiny, but mighty hummingbird inspires us to follow our dreams, even when life is filled with hardship, setbacks, or obstacles, to fight through the many challenges. The hummingbird symbolizes beauty and wisdom, and although small, it has the fierce heart of an eagle.
The Ollin symbolizes movement, disorder, seismic change, and transmutation.
Yemaya, a woman of color, is a symbol of uplifting, cleansing, and healing. She rises from the sea and rules over her domain with grace, beauty, and maternal wisdom.
Concrete is not typically seen as a place for a flower to grow, yet the flower can exist, pushing through the impossible.”