RCCD Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties: 2024 Year in Review

12/17/2024

As 2024 draws to a close, the Riverside Community College District’s (RCCD) Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties reflects on a year marked by profound impact, creative expression, and community connection. Located in downtown Riverside, the Center serves as a vital resource for all three colleges within the District and the broader community. This year, the Center hosted transformative exhibitions, collaborative art projects, and educational experiences that engaged and inspired diverse audiences. Here is a look at some of the year’s most notable achievements.

One of the most impactful initiatives of the year was the Body of Freedom project, supported by a Creative Corps Inland SoCal Grant and the California Arts Council. This expansive, multi-phase community art project engaged local artists, students, and community members through immersive dance, yoga, visual art, creative writing, fashion, and choir workshops. The workshops culminated in a powerful exhibition that opened on February 1 and ran through March 16. The event showcased a vibrant collection of community-driven art, including a community mural at Ramona High School led by artist Ekaterina Orlovie. Visual artists Cosmé Cordova, Edith Motley, Cathy Maxwell, and Erin Maroufkhani introduced participants to dry-point etching and mosaic design. Creative writing workshops led by James Coats and Selena Jane Wilson adorned the Center’s windows and doors with poetry. In contrast, movement workshops with Ulises Rodriguez, Maggie Harrison, and Missy Townsend engaged participants in physical expression. Additionally, David Dean Cruz and Selena Jane Wilson facilitated workshops on recycled fashion. The project’s fall 2024 return brought renewed energy, offering additional workshops and fresh opportunities for community participation. The Body of Freedom exhibition and its workshops have become a lasting symbol of artistic freedom and social justice, showcasing art’s transformative power.

 

Another highlight of 2024 was the launch of “Dear Riverside, A Letter to Our First Love,” an exhibition created in partnership with the Museum of Riverside as part of the museum’s 100th anniversary celebration. The exhibition, which opened on July 25 and will run through January 5, 2025, invites visitors to explore Riverside’s history and cultural identity through textiles, paintings, botanical specimens, documents, and more. The exhibit features never-before-displayed artifacts from the Museum of Riverside’s extensive collection. Dr. Robyn Peterson, director of the Museum of Riverside, expressed excitement about this opportunity, noting that the exhibition brings the museum’s hidden collections into public view. Tracy Fisher, Ph.D., director of the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties, highlighted the exhibit’s role in connecting community members to Riverside’s rich past and inspiring a shared vision for the future. Visitors from across the region have explored the exhibit, reflecting on Riverside’s evolution and celebrating its enduring cultural legacy.

The Center’s ongoing collaboration with the Inlandia Institute further enriched its programming this year. By working together, the Center and Inlandia have amplified local authors' and educators’ voices and provided new opportunities for community engagement.

The Center’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the life and legacy of Miné Okubo continues with the exhibition “Miné Okubo’s Eyes: A Life in Colors.” Opening on April 26, and currently on view at the Center, this exhibition features more than 50 of Okubo’s paintings and works on paper, many of which have never been seen by the public. Curated by ShiPu Wang, Ph.D., Coats Family Chair in the Arts and professor of art history and visual culture at UC Merced, the exhibition presents a comprehensive view of Okubo’s prolific career. Known for her groundbreaking graphic novel, “Citizen 13660”, Okubo’s broader artistic contributions are put on full display, offering visitors a deeper understanding of her work before, during, and after World War II. As a Riverside City College alumna who bequeathed her vast collection to the college, Okubo’s legacy is central to the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties’ mission. The exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Terra Foundation for American Art.

From thought-provoking exhibitions to engaging community collaborations, the RCCD Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties demonstrated its dedication to art, history, and social justice throughout 2024. Its exhibitions and events are a powerful reminder that, while the Center’s physical location is in downtown Riverside, its mission and impact extend far beyond. It is a resource for all colleges within the District and a vital gathering place for the community. The Center encourages the District and the broader community to stay engaged. Those interested in supporting or participating in future initiatives can find more information on the Center’s website: https://socialjustice.rccd.edu.  

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications