What: Mural of Rutherford B. Gaston Sr. celebrated
When: Friday, April 22, 2022
9-9:45 a.m.
Where: Gaston Middle School
1100 E. Church Ave. (93706)
Fresno Unified board members, students, district leaders and leaders from the community will gather to celebrate the unveiling of a mural of the late Rutherford “Bud” Gaston. The mural was created by local artist Jason Esquivel with help from students to honor the campus’s namesake, who was Fresno Unified’s first African American principal and a community leader. The school opened in August 2014, two years after the passing of Mr. Gaston.
The mural is part of a focus in recent years to ensure students know who their school was named after and what he accomplished. The opening of Gaston marked the return of a neighborhood middle school in southwest Fresno after more than 35 years.
Guests will include Superintendent Bob Nelson, trustees Valerie Davis and Keshia Thomas, Congressman Jim Costa and other dignitaries.
“This mural is a special addition to Gaston Middle School, one that I hope will inspire students daily. Mr. Gaston was a trailblazer in our district, not only serving Fresno Unified students for 33 years but was a leader in a number of community organizations,” said Superintendent Bob Nelson.