Press Release by SWTJC
Uvalde, TX, January 23, 2024 – In a moving union of art and justice, Southwest Texas Junior College’s (SWTJC) Art Professor Abel Ortiz recently hosted a thought-provoking tour of the memorial mural project dedicated to the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School tragedy for U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta on January 17. PHOTOS
Professor Ortiz, the creative force behind this heartfelt initiative, led profound discussions with the DOJ officials amid the evocative murals that grace the walls of buildings throughout the Uvalde downtown area.
“It was an honor and a pleasure to tour the murals with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta. They were truly touched by the portraits and asked substantive questions,” said Ortiz.
During the tour, Associate Attorney General Gupta and Attorney General Garland gained profound insights into the memorial project’s impact under Ortiz’s expert guidance.
This unique convergence of art and the pursuit of justice in the memorial mural project serves as a testament to the resilience of communities in the face of tragedy. SWTJC takes great pride in fostering opportunities that celebrate artistic talent and act as powerful tools for healing and remembrance. The college remains committed to providing opportunities for meaningful conversations and collaborations that bolster the strength of its communities.
“My hope is that the murals will provide a sense of peace and comfort for the families and a reminder that these tragedies should not happen in a civilized society,” Ortiz stated.
Department of Justice officials were in Uvalde to present a Critical Incident Review on the tragedy of May 24, 2022. Their itinerary included crucial meetings with affected families and engagements with the press, shedding light on the report’s findings.
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About Southwest Texas Junior College
Founded 76 years ago, Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. For more information, please visit www.swtjc.edu.
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