In a continued effort to show its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, SamTrans has partnered with the Millbrae Anti-Racist Coalition, and three Asian-American artists, to launch a series of artwork that will be displayed on select buses and shelters beginning today.
The artwork, which depicts diverse images of people spreading the message to “Love our Communities,” will be showcased throughout San Mateo County until mid-July 2021. The decision to share this message through art follows the SamTrans Board of Directors decision last month to adopt a resolution in support of diversity, equity, inclusivity and anti-racism.
“SamTrans serves a diverse population that continues to experience bias, discrimination, and unequal outcomes and treatment,” said SamTrans Board Chair Charles Stone. “SamTrans, as an agency, believes in tolerance and inclusivity. We condemn the increasing number of hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) including harassment, bullying, and violent acts. We believe every person should be valued and respected, and we support and stand with the AAPI communities in San Mateo County and across the nation.”
About the Artists:
Bus Wraps – Born to Filipino immigrant parents, Eli Africa designed the full bus wraps on two of our buses. Currently living in the Bay Area, one of Africa’s first jobs was drawing caricatures on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
Bus Art – A former rider of SamTrans Route 292, Vida Kuang’s work has been seen throughout the Bay Area to send a strong message of “Love Our People, Heal Our Communities.” The art on SamTrans buses are the same used throughout Chinatowns during rallies to protest anti-Asian Hate and solidarity among communities.
Shelter Ads and Bus Art – Award-winning and critically acclaimed illustrator LeUyen Pham graciously allowed SamTrans to use her work on the current cover of “America the Beautiful: Together We Stand.” Currently living in Los Angeles, LeUyen and her family fled Vietnam during the Vietnam War. She worked at DreamWorks Studio in Redwood City before its closure.
To learn more about the art buses and the artists, please visit www.samtrans.com/againsthate.
###
About SamTrans: SamTrans operates 70 routes throughout San Mateo County. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the San Mateo County Transit District also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.
Follow SamTrans on Facebook and Twitter.
Free translation assistance is available. Para traducción llama al 1-800-660-4287; 如需翻譯,請電 1-800-660-4287.