"Calafia Was Here” is a stunning mural gracing the walls of the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, created by the talented artist Erin LeAnn Mitchell. This captivating artwork draws inspiration from the enthralling legend of Calafia, a mythical queen of California depicted in a sixteenth-century novel. In addition to honoring the legacy of Calafia, the mural skillfully pays homage to the pivotal contributions of Black women in California's rich history, effectively shedding light on their often overlooked role. By spotlighting themes of movement and language, the mural serves as an invitation for the community to wholeheartedly embrace and promote Black liberation, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment.

Erin LeAnn Mitchell, from Birmingham, Alabama, focuses on portraying a bright future for Black people. She draws inspiration from her southern family and aims to empower Black individuals to live freely. Mitchell studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College, mastering various art forms. Her work has gained attention, with exhibitions at the Birmingham Museum of Art and a feature on the TV show Empire. Recently, she was commissioned to create a portrait honoring Dr. Angela Y. Davis.