Arboretum
Fresno State Peace Garden
The concept for a Peace Garden at Fresno State began in 1990 when a bronze memorial
was dedicated for Mahatma Gandhi, a prophet of nonviolence and father of the 20 th
century human rights movement. Located just north of the Library , Fresno State’s
Peace Garden stands as an inspiration and tribute to lives devoted to peace and activism.
The Nelson Mandela Monument will be the newest addition to the Fresno State Peace
Garden, which houses monuments dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr.,
Cesar Chavez, and Jane Addams. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is renowned for his pivotal
role in mobilizing resistance against institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination
in South Africa. From the harsh conditions of imprisonment, Mandela emerged as a leader
dedicated to racial reconciliation and social justice. As South Africa’s first democratically
elected president, he led the African National Congress and successfully negotiated
the end of apartheid after serving 27 years in prison. Mandela’s relentless efforts
to dismantle oppressive laws and create goodwill among all communities show a path
forward for uniting our divided societies.
Join us for the unveiling of the Nelson Mandela Monument
September 12, 2024
5 - 6:15 p.m.
The Peace Garden at Fresno State
This event is free and open ot the public.
Keynote speaker: Siyabulela Mandela, Ph.D., an independent consultant on Human Rights, International Development and Conflict Resolution
Presented by: Fresno State Office of the President and The M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner
Peace and Sarvodaya
For any inquiries contact: Dr. Veena Howard, Director, The M.K. Gandhi Center 559.278.2621
vehoward@csufresno.edu
Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) was a pivotal figure in India’s history and its quest for independence from Britain. He preached passive resistance and employed tactics such as marches and hunger strikes as a form of political protest. His non-violent approach to civil disobedience inspired other movements around the world. His memorial was unveiled on October 2, 1990.
César Chávez (1927-1993) founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, an organization that later became the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). During his life, he waged a non-violent battle against social injustice, oppression, and human suffering. Through boycotts, strikes, marches, and other means, Chávez fought for better pay and working conditions for farm workers for more than 30 years. His statue was dedicated on March 31, 1996.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was a leader in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Inspired by Gandhi, Dr. King used powerful speeches and other non-violent tactics in the struggle to achieve equal rights for African-Americans. He is portrayed in his ministerial robes, holding a child to symbolize innocence and concern for future generations. Dr. King’s statue was unveiled on January 18, 1998.
Jane Addams (1860-1935) was a social reformer, writer, and international peace advocate. She was co-founder of the social settlement Hull House in Chicago, and was also the first president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. In 1931, she became the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Her statue was dedicated on April 6, 2006.
Over time, other distinct features have been added to the Peace Garden. In 2002, two Canary Island pine trees were planted to honor Fresno State alumni Todd Beamer and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Vincent Tolbert. Both were killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Special thanks to Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, professor emeritus of social work education and peace and conflict studies, who led the efforts for the Peace Garden statues. Each of the garden’s four memorials have been funded through private giving.