The creation of “We are The Cheech” statement addresses the accountability we, as a community, have to the creation of this space. There is pride in knowing that the foundation of such a space is being put together, piece by piece, by every member of the community and not solely thrown together by wealthy investors, rich patrons, and government money. The Cheech is a labor of love and the logo and tagline of, “We are The Cheech”, attempts to capture a spirit of resistance, culture, and community.

We hope that anyone who has ever worked toward giving voice and a presence to those who have struggled against invisibility, can identify with “We are The Cheech”. Also, the design invites anyone to take ownership of not just a museum, but a movement of inclusivity and forward-thinking.

Cheech Marin wondered out loud at his April 2018 talk at the Culver Center for the Arts, for whom is the The Cheech being created? To whom does the art belong? Simply put, es de todos y para todos. The art belongs to us all. The Cheech is for the people. What is remarkably beautiful about this concept is that Cheech Marin also understands and embraces this principle.