Advisory: Marquette to dedicate ‘Our Roots’ mural April 17

April 12, 2023

'Our Roots Say We are Sisters' muralMILWAUKEE — Marquette University will host an official dedication of the “Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters mural” with a ceremony on Monday, April 17, at 2 p.m. on Eckstein Common.

This ceremony will entail an intercultural blessing, remarks from the artist, Mauricio Ramirez, and reflections on the impact of the mural. At least two of the women featured in the mural are also expected to be on-hand. The mural was completed in October 2020 by Ramirez but planning of an official dedication had been delayed due to earlier COVID-19 restrictions.

Event information:

  • When: Monday, April 17, at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Marquette University Eckstein Common, located between the Alumni Memorial Union to the west, Schroeder Hall to the east, Wells Street to the north and Wisconsin Avenue to the south.
  • Parking: Parking is available in the 16th Street Parking Structure (749 N. 16th St.). A map of the visitor parking structures can be found here.

The “Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters” mural was installed on campus celebrating diversity and racial equity. A Mural Committee invited seven local Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) male and female artists to submit proposals and “Our Roots” was the winning submission in a vote that engaged more than 1,400 members of the Marquette community.

The mural has also inspired a podcast series amplifying the stories of women students, faculty, staff and alumnae who have used their gifts to make a meaningful impact on others. The mural’s vivid and prominent rendering of Marquette women, along with the oral histories recorded through the podcast, are reminders of the shared joys and common struggles of women of color and have helped to make the often invisible, visible.

About Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.

About Kevin Conway

Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.