"Spotlight: The Color of Truth" is a display that celebrates artists who are talented in their field and have also dedicated their lives to social justice.  Through the use of their art these innovative artists tell a “truth” ... the struggle of the immigrant, the suppression of their cultural identity or to convey a love and respect for family, home and one's individuality.

 “I really don’t want to produce artwork that does not have meaning beyond simple decorative values. I want to use public space to create a public voice, and a public consciousness about the presence of people who are, in fact, the majority of the population but who are not represented in any visual way. By telling their stories we are giving voice to the voiceless and visualizing the whole of the American story.”  Judy Baca

The UI Cultural Houses and Resource Center managed by the Office of Student Life are fundamental in bringing to light issues that are important to African Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Latinos and Native Americans and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community. The “Spotlight Series” displays are meant to connect the library to the UI cultural houses and resource center. We encourage the UI community to explore the people and art presented in this display.