La Voz - July August 2021

July/Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 San Antonio, Tejas

“I feel like God gave me a big heart because so many people have come and said, ‘Oh, I
wish you were my mother.’ … Maybe they’re kidding. But I always tell them, ‘There’s
space in my heart for you, so come in.’” — Isabel (Doña Chavelita) Casillas Sánchez

July 1, 1923 – June 14, 2021

Isabel Casillas Sánchez, ¡presente!

From the time I first heard that Isabel had been taken by ambulance to

the hospital after a sudden stroke at home there was no denying that

La Voz de her last days were filled with love and remembrance. Even though she never regained con-
Esperanza
sciousness, there was constant communication with her. Her family was with her every step
July/Aug 2021
Vol. 34 Issue 6 of the way: Enrique, her husband of more than 70 years, Graciela, her eldest daughter, Leti-

Editor: Gloria A. Ramírez cia her youngest daughter and her sons: Xavier with his family, Fernando with his family
Design Elizandro Carrington
and Bernard and Gustavo were present with their mother until the end. Each day conversa-
Editorial Assistance: Liliana Wilson
tions surrounded the room she was in, each day loving caresses, each day whispered endear-
Contributors
ments and, on many days, Enrique would sing her love songs, lullabies, tangos, canciones
Helen & Michel Chouinard, Kayla Miranda,
Lourdes Pérez & Annette D’Armata, Ruby Ruiz, de despedida—expressions of a deep and lasting love—his way of saying good-bye.

Isabel Casillas Sánchez, Cynthia Spielman & With the options for recovery exhausted, Isabel was moved to Graciela, Amy and Leti-
Josie Merla Martin
cia’s house for hospice care. Their home was transformed into a welcoming space for fam-
La Voz Mail Collective
ily, friends and community to add their good-byes to Isabel. Food and drink in abundance
The Collective is sheltering at home due to the
COVID-19 pandemic but will be returning when appeared each day. Flowers, cards and photos filled the room. Children filled the rooms with

their health and safety can be assured. Extra the joy that only children can express. There, her life ebbed away into the spirit world to join
funds are being raised to pay for folding La Voz
her ancestors.
each month during this time.
A Westside despedida for Isabel followed. Her body lay in state at the Esperanza’s Casa
Esperanza Director
de Cuentos in a simple pine casket painted with images of casitas of the Westside by artist,
Graciela I. Sánchez
Mary Agnes Rodríguez. The rosary was held there with reflections on Isabel’s life written
Esperanza Staff
by Maria Berriozábal accompanying each mystery that was read by a family member or
Elizandro Carrington, Kayla Miranda,
Paul Plouf, Kristel Orta-Puente, friend. The next day a funeral mass at St. Alphonsus Church took place. A small choir sang

Natalie Rodríguez, Imgard Akinyi Rop, at the mass accompanied by guitar and a baritone sax. In front of my pew, an elderly woman
René Saenz, Imane Saliba, Susana Segura,
sang each alabanza loudly as only a viejita can—evoking my own childhood memories. A
Amelia Valdez, Rosa Vega
celebration of life followed the mass at the Casa de Cuentos where music, poetry, dancing
Conjunto de Nepantleras
—Esperanza Board of Directors— and oral tributes honored Isabel’s life.

Richard Aguilar, Norma Cantú, Yasmina Codina, A few days later Isabel’s body was to be laid to rest at Ft. Sam where Enrique earned
Brent Floyd, Rachel Jennings, Amy Kastely,
Angie Merla, Jan Olsen, Ana Lucía Ramírez, burial plots due to his service in the Navy. The service at the shelter provided one final
Gloria A. Ramírez, Rudy Rosales,
Lilliana Saldaña, Nadine Saliba, farewell with an indigenous blessing. Amidst the smoke and the rainy façade of the day,
Graciela I. Sánchez, Lillian Stevens
those present walked away to their cars leaving Isabel’s remains to be buried by authorities,
• We advocate for a wide variety of social,
economic & environmental justice issues. later in the day. Everyone was invited to Graciela’s house one last time to enjoy food, drink

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 • • Opinions expressed in La Voz are not and the company of family and friends. Before I left, Graciela broke out the Coca Cola for a
necessarily those of the Esperanza Center.
toast to Isabel who so loved to drink her Cokes. As Graciela asked her father, the widower,
La Voz de Esperanza
is a publication of if he cared to say a few final words, he responded, I can only use music to express my feel-

Esperanza Peace & Justice Center ings and with that he sang one final farewell to his beloved, Dónde Estás Corazón.
922 San Pedro, San Antonio,
TX 78212 This issue of La Voz de Esperanza is dedicated to Isabel Casillas Sánchez, mother of
210.228.0201
www.esperanzacenter.org Graciela Sánchez, director of the Esperanza and a con-
Inquiries/Articles can be sent to:
[email protected] stant source of inspiration for the work that Esperanza

Articles due by the 8th of each month undertakes. In these last days of mourning for Isabel, we

Policy Statements received word that another great soul has passed, Eliza-

* We ask that articles be visionary, progressive, beth “Betita” Martínez who died on June 29th at 95 years
instructive & thoughtful. Submissions must be
literate & critical; not sexist, racist, homophobic, of age. I’m sure Isabel will receive Betita joyfully with
violent, or oppressive & may be edited for length.
* All letters in response to Esperanza activities open arms. Isabel’s memory will continue to be honored

or articles in La Voz will be considered for in pages of La Voz and on our website. Tributes can be

2 publication. Letters with intent to slander sent to: [email protected]
individuals or groups will not be published.
– Gloria A. Ramirez, editor of La Voz Betta Martínez at the 2008 IWD March
with Laura Codina (l) & Isabel Sánchez.

ATTENTION VOZ READERS: If you have a mailing address correction please send it to lavoz@
esperanzacenter.org. If you want to be removed from the La Voz mailing list, for whatever reason, please let us
know. La Voz is provided as a courtesy to people on the mailing list of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center.
The subscription rate is $35 per year ($100 for institutions). The cost of producing and mailing La Voz has
substantially increased and we need your help to keep it afloat. To help, send in your subscriptions, sign up as a
monthly donor, or send in a donation to the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. Thank you. -GAR

VOZ VISION STATEMENT: La Voz de Esperanza speaks for many individual, progressive voices who are
gente-based, multi-visioned and milagro-bound. We are diverse survivors of materialism, racism, misogyny,
homophobia, classism, violence, earth-damage, speciesism and cultural and political oppression. We are
recapturing the powers of alliance, activism and healthy conflict in order to achieve interdependent economic/
spiritual healing and fuerza. La Voz is a resource for peace, justice, and human rights, providing a forum for
criticism, information, education, humor and other creative works. La Voz provokes bold actions in response
to local and global problems, with the knowledge that the many risks we take for the earth, our body, and the
dignity of all people will result in profound change for the seven generations to come.

IsabelJuClya1,s1i9l2l3a- sJunSe 1á4n, 2c02h1 ez

Our querida wife, mother, her hand, and expressed his
pleasure at meeting her. Isa-
sister, grandmother, great- bel was very impressed! Their
courtship included many long
and great great grand- walks around Brackenridge Park
and Downtown, punctuated
mother, aunt, comadre, by school and neighborhood
dances. In December, Enrique
friend, and teacher Isabel prepared to leave San Antonio to
attend school in Chicago. Isabel
Sánchez passed away on expressed her distress at his
leaving and they both promised
June 14, 2021. to write often. At this emotional
moment, Isabel gave Enrique a
Isabel was born in first kiss.

the Westside on July 1, The couple was married in
San Antonio, on August 21,
1923. Her family moved

to the Westside after the

1921 flood destroyed their

home and business, along

with most other structures

in Laredito. By 1924, Isa- Isabel sits on her abuela’s lap-Teresa Cantú Isabel and her brother, Abelardo,
bel’s grandparents, Teresa Rocha (1864-1947) who owned a food stand who lived with their parents,
and Sebastian Rocha, had at Military Plaza, later known as Plaza de Francisca and Dionicio, at 910
moved to the Westside, Zacate. Isabel’s mom, Francisca González Santiago on the Westside of SA.
Casillas (1893-1973), stands at right.

living on Chihuahua

and caring for Isabel’s two eldest brothers, Gilberto and

Alejandro. By 1926, Isabel’s mother Francisca was living

on the northern part of the Rocha’s lot, at 910 Santiago,

with her husband, Dionicio Casillas and younger children, LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 •

Abelardo and Isabel. In 1931, Isabel’s sister Candelaria

was born.

Isabel attended Barkley Elementary and then Lanier

Junior and High School. She was a member of the Lanier

National Hon-

or Society and

graduated from

Lanier High in

1942. During

World War II, Isabel worked at the Fernández Drug Store after graduating from Lanier High
School in 1942. Her knowledge of San Antonio’s Westside inspired Esperanza
Isabel worked projects like Paseo por el Westside, Fotohistorias and the Museo del Westside.

the night shift 1949 and their love affair lasted throughout their lives,
marked by Enrique’s romantic singing and the couple’s
at Kelly Air
Yearbook photo of senior, Isabel Casillas, with a caption
Force Base detailing her personality and activities at Sydney Lanier High
School on the Westside of San Antonio.
and then

took a

Isabel, at center, with her sister Candelaria (Cande) in front job at the
of her and a friend of theirs behind her.
Fernandez

Drug Store. One day in 1947, Isabel was walking

home from work when Victoria Sánchez, a neighbor

living on Vera Cruz, called out, inviting Isabel to

meet her eldest son, who had just returned from the

Navy. Inside the Sánchez house, Isabel was greeted

by the handsome Enrique, who politely stood, shook 3

joy in dancing to- Isabel was a forceful ad-

gether. Isabel enjoyed vocate for Westside schools,

their first two years of active at every level of SAISD.

married life in Chi- She would not hesitate to call

cago, and was over- the SAISD Superintendent di-

joyed when Enrique, rectly if a problem required it.

upon completing She gave public testimony to

school, announced the School Board, wrote letters,

that they would return and attended meetings. Isabel

to San Antonio. With was instrumental in creating

money earned by Parent-Teacher Associations at

Isabel during the war, Ruiz Elementary, and she was

her mother purchased active in the Cooper Junior

the neighboring lot High, Lanier High School, and

on Santiago. Over the City-wide PTAs. She became a

next twenty years, Isa- regular visitor to those schools

bel and Enrique raised and formed deep friendships

their six children in with many of the children and

the house on Santiago. their families. In addition,

In 1976, because of Isabel was a forceful advocate

the government’s ur- for policy changes that would

ban renewal program, benefit Westside schools to the

the family moved a Isabel Casillas and Enrique Sánchez were married on August 21, 1949 and their SAISD School Board.
half-block north where love affair lasted throughout their lives. They were married over 70 years. In the late 1990s, the high
Isabel lived for the rest
school principal at Lanier High

of her life. School expelled Isabel from the Lanier PTA because none

Isabel cherished her beloved Westside and worked hard of her children were current Lanier students. Shocked, Is-

to support Westside families. As soon as her youngest abel and other parents searched for new ways to support

child started school, Isabel became an education activist, Lanier students. They began fundraising for the Fuentes-

advocating to improve the schools for Westside children. Sanchez Lanier Scholarship Fund. During the past twenty

As she told her family: “My children will always have me years, the Fund has raised and distributed over $200,000

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 • to help them. I want to help all of the other children whose to recent Lanier graduates bound for college. As to the

parents, for whatever reason, can’t make sure their kids principal who forced her out of the Lanier PTA, Isabel

are getting the education they deserve.”  Much of Isabel’s

work in the schools focused on advocacy for individual

students. Mothers

would call her if

their child was hav-

ing trouble with a

teacher, a bully, or

whatever. Often she

would accompany

parents, helping

them muster the

courage to talk with

teachers or other

school officials, or,

if the parents could

not attend because

of other responsi-

bilities, Isabel would

talk with the teach-

ers and officials by

Isabel enjoyed taking care of her yard and lived herself, advocating Isabel with her young children celebrating the youngest child’s birthday, Leticia
out her life on the Westside of San Antonio that for another’s child. Sánchez, who turned one year old. Graciela stands next to her little sister with her
brothers (l to r) Bernard, Xavier, Fernando and Gustavo standing behind their mother.
4 she loved .

remembered “She left and father of seven; Bernard,

after a couple of years, a chef, gardener, and cre-

so I went back to the ative entrepreneur; Fernando

Lanier PTA ... I outlast- (Margaret), a Latin-American

ed her.” Isabel’s work scholar, writer, and father of

in the schools included two; Gustavo, a master of U.S.

advocacy for individual Presidential history, sports buff, and

students, work for the loyal son who has helped his parents

PTAs, and testimony be- care for their home for many years; Graciela

fore the SAISD School (Amy), a social justice and cultural advocate, and Director

Board. of Esperanza Peace & Justice Center; and Leticia, valued

In addition to her academic advisor to thousands of Palo Alto and University

educational advocacy, of Houston students, neighborhood activist, and Flamenco

Isabel was active in dancer. Isabel took great joy in her nine grandchildren:

many progressive cam- Xavier Jr, Rhys, Maricella, Danielle, Enrique, Juanita, Ce-

Isabel was instrumental in creating PTAs in paigns in San Antonio, cilia, Benjamin, and Claudia; her twelve great-grandchil-
Westside schools that her children attended including struggles over dren: Shaiann, Jaykob, Juliana, Dominic, Sophia, Jayla,
and was also active in Citywide PTAs. cultural arts and free Lilly, Jesalyn, Maxwell, Parker, Camilla, and Adelyn; and

speech, protection for her one great-great-grandchild Mazikeen.

the Edwards Aqui- “I feel like

fer, maintenance God gave me a

of public space, big heart be-

and historical cause so many

preservation in the people have come

Westside. Finally, and said, ‘Oh, I

Isabel was a much- wish you were

treasured member my mother.’ …

of the Esperanza Maybe they’re

Peace and Justice kidding. But I

Center, the Histor- always tell them,

ic Westside Resi- ‘There’s space in

dents Association, my heart for you, LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 •

the Corazones de so come in.’”

Esperanza, and the For a more

Westside Preserva- complete biog-

tion Alliance. raphy of Isabel

Isabel was Casillas Sánchez

enormously proud please check out

of each of her chil- the Museo del

dren: Xavier (Di- At the 70th anniversary celebration of Isabel and Enrique’s marriage, all six children: Xavier (pink shirt), Westside @ www.
ana), a musician, Bernard (white shirt), Fernando (pink polo shirt), Gustavo (black shirt), Graciela (red huipil top), Leticia (white museodelwestside.
HEB store manager, full length huipil) and their families were present. org

In memory of Isabel

Donations will be accepted for the:
Fuentes-Sánchez Lanier Scholarship Fund

1710 Vera Cruz, SA TX 78207

Isabel Sánchez and Amelia Fuentes prepare for another 5
Fuentes Sánchez Lanier Scholarship Dance which raised
over $200,000 over the years for students at Lanier High.

Recuerdos de Isabel Casillas Sánchez
Remembering Isabel Casillas Sánchez

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Sánchez family and the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center
have received innumerable written tributes marking the passing of Mrs. Sánchez.
Throughout this issue we shall highlight a very few of these tributes of a life well lived.

Michael & Helen Chouinard, retired
teachers from Lanier High School,
pose with Isabel, a revered parent
at the high school.

The 1942 graduating class of.Sydney Lanier High School in the Westside of San Antonio, Tx.
Isabel is seated 3rd from the right.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 • I don’t know how long it will be before I can accept To be graduating from high school, as a young Latina in 1942, was a huge
the loss of Isabel Sanchez, but it has not come yet. accomplishment for the time, noted Helen Chouinard, retired teacher from
Lanier High School. She recalled Sánchez as “a great cook,” and estimates the
She was such a giant selfless human being. Whenever tamales and capirotada sold at annual bailes at the Esperanza Center raised in
I was in her presence, she made me feel like such an the hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. “She made a difference to
imperfect person. Isabel was quite simply one of my lots of people’s lives,” she said. “Lanier lost a very stalwart supporter in Mrs.

life's greatest blessings. Her profound spirit will for- Sánchez. They were lucky to have her.”

ever be a part of me and I am so grateful. My deepest SOURCE: The San Antonio Report, ‘Buena gente’: Isabel Sánchez remem-
bered as a protector of the West Side, by Nicholas Frank, June 20, 2021
condolences to the family at this time of loss. Isabel, (bit.ly/isabel-buena)
my love to you forever. —Michael Chouinard

As a pregnant high school student in my senior year, college the beautiful greenery. I was immediately welcomed into Mrs.
was not the first thing on my mind. I was already living on my Sánchez home. I felt comfort and excitement. I was honored
own with my partner and had no clue what the next chapter was by her encouraging words and was in tears because she did not
to bring. I enjoyed learning and knew I wanted to be a role mod- judge me for my situation. She believed in me. That scholar-
el for my child. I started to wonder what college would be like ship not only helped me financially, it
and how would I pay for it. I was fortunate enough to work with helped me emotionally. It fueled my fire.
Lanier staff who helped me apply for FASA and scholarships. My community wanted me to succeed, I
I asked myself, who would want to help a pregnant teen? Why wasn’t alone in this new journey. I was
would they choose me? I knew I wasn’t the ideal typical straight able to finish college and receive my
A senior. But within several months, I received a notice from Masters in Social Work and am now a
the school counselor that I was chosen for the Fuentes Sánchez Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I will
Scholarship. I was shocked and even more amazed that I was forever be grateful to Mrs. Sanchez for
going to meet the donors of the scholarship. To my surprise, giving me hope and seeing my worth.
they lived in my neighborhood! I nervously walked up to Mrs.
—Ruby Ruiz, 2006 Fuentes Sanchez
6 Sánchez door, the walkway to the door felt like a mile with all scholarship Recipient

Isabel Casillas Sánchez, abuela de la Esperanza

Yo parí una luchadora I Gave Birth to a Fighter 

  If you were to see my daughter 
You would be reminded of the saying 
Si la vieran a mi hija He who stands near a good tree 
Will be sheltered by good shade 
Se acordarán de la rima Like gold is her smile 
And it is for liberty that she yearns 
Quien a buen árbol se arrima God has blessed me, ma’am 
Her rage is like the sea 
Buena sombra le cobija How can I explain it to you? 
I gave birth to a fighter
Como el oro es su sonrisa  
There was a dead silence 
Y la libertad añora When she declared that she loves 
Another woman that fights 
Me bendijo Dios, señora For justice in the world 
Love is more fertile 
Su furia es como la mar Than ignorance, the betrayer 
If you insist, and you implore me 
Cómo poderle explicar To tell you something about her 
She is my daughter, the most beautiful 
Yo parí una luchadora I gave birth to a fighter 

  An expert told me that in matters of love 
The man is for the woman 
Hubo un silencio rotundo And the woman for the children 
I said, excuse me, sir 
Cuando declaró que amaba I don’t call myself a doctor, or a philosopher 
Wake up, sir, from that dream 
A otra mujer que luchaba  Women are not owned by anyone 
I gave birth to a fighter 
Por la justicia en el mundo
In spite of what they say, we back her 
El amor es mas fecundo And wherever we go 
Our daughter is present 
Que la ignorancia traidora Isabel and her daughter, Graciela Isabel Sánchez. I will be with her always 
Until my hour arrives 
Si usted me insiste y me implora Until my last dawn 
Her hands never get tired 
que yo le cuente algo de ella And she founded for me a hope 
I gave birth to a fighter 
Es mi hija la más bella
Together, with Enrique, 
Yo parí una luchadora I gave birth to a fighter

  Words and music by Lourdes Pérez,
Musician & Writer [lourdesperez.com]
Un experto a mi me dijo

Que en cuestiones del querer 

El hombre es pa’ la mujer

y la mujer pa’ los hijos

yo le dije, con permiso

no me tildo de doctora LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 •

Tampoco de pensadora

Despierte usted de ese sueño

La mujer no tiene dueño

Yo parí una luchadora

  L to R: Lourdes Pérez, Isabel, Annette D’Armata & Enrique
Y a pesar de lo que cuenten Sánchez

Nosotros la respaldamos 

Y donde quiera que vamos

Nuestra hija está presente

Yo estaré con ella siempre

Hasta que llegue mi hora

Hasta mi ùltima aurora

Pues sus manos no se cansan 

Y me fundó una esperanza

Yo parí una luchadora

 

Junto con Enrique

Yo parí una luchadora

Isabel & Enrique dance side by side next to Annette &
Lourdes at an Esperanza outdoor event at 922 San Pedro.

Isabel Sanchez - beloved, unconditionally loving, tradition- EDITOR’S NOTE: One of Isabel’s major contributions to 7
bearing, revolutionary, iconic, tiny, giant, storytelling, the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center was in giving birth
dancing woman ...we will miss her as long as we live. The to Graciela Isabel Sánchez, Director of the Esperanza. The
air is different and we are left in silence. Words dissolve song, Yo parí una luchadora by Lourdes Pérez inspired
into tears. We have lost our mother. – Lourdes & Annette by a conversation with Isabel in 1992, details the story of
Graciela and her mother, Isabel, who “birthed a fighter”.

Isabel Casillas Sánchez,

EDITOR’S NOTE: In 2000, the Esperanza held an event called El Grito de Esperanza
where we celebrated paying off the building at 922 San Pedro. In the publication printed
for El Grito, Isabel reflected on her involvement with Esperanza. The reality of it all is
that Graciela’s mother was and is an integral part of the Esperanza since its inception. In
fact, the original site of the Esperanza at 1305 N. Flores was obtained through contacts
that Isabel made such that she’s earned the title, Abuela de la Esperanza.

L to R: Graciela with U.S. Representative, Lloyd Doggett Isabe
and her parents, Enrique and Isabel admire the altars at el We
the annual Día de los Muertos celebration.

Enrique & Isabel Sánchez with their daughter, Graciela at a Mujercanto
event at 1305 N. Flores where Esperanza was first located.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 • Enrique & Isabel Sánchez are pictured with Las Tesoros’ Beatriz Llamas Isabel marched annually at the International Women’s Day March (2008 pictured) often leading the
(Paloma del Norte) & Blanca Rodríguez (Blanca Rosa) at a Big Give event. procession. When arthritis slowed her down she invited marchers to enjoy a home cooked meal of
pollo guisado and arroz at her home.

8 Mexican singer, Eugenia León, (in black), sang at the Empire Theater in Isabel (center) joined in protests such as this one in front of the U.S. Federal Courthouse in
2009 as part of an Esperanza series that brought her, Lila Downs & Susana support of the Free Speech Coalition that challenged the city’s free speech ordinance.
Baca to San Antonio. With Eugenia are Graciela, her parents, Enrique &
Isabel Sánchez & Bernard, their son—all assisted in these special events.

abuela de la Esperanza

el and Enrique donated food & conducted pláticas yearly at Paseo por El Grito de Esperanza
estside celebrating the history & culture of San Antonio’s Westside.
September 15 & 16 2000
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 •
I know that I have been very fortunate in being involved in a dream
that was not mine, it was other people’s dream.

I knew about the dream through my daughter, Graciela. It was
a dream of several people who dreamt of a place for people to be
able to meet, dance, sing, exhibit their art, a place which would not
discriminate.

These people did not have money, only a deep vision and deter-
mination. It was hard, frustrating. Like me, I am sure people they
talked to could not see that it could be possible since they had no
money to invest. Each time Graciela went somewhere and did not
get a response, she would talk to me. She also told me what other
people were doing to•make Esperanza a reality. This is how I got
involved in their dream.

The time came when a place became available. Things began
to take shape and through hard work, the Esperanza was created,
thanks to these people who never gave up on their dream.

It was beautiful to be at the dedication on Flores Street and see
what these people had accomplished through their efforts. Graciela
had to go on to school but her joy was that the dream now was real-
ity. She asked us, her parents, to support the Esperanza even though
she would not be around for a while. We knew we would support Es-
peranza because our daughter asked us, but we also knew we would
support Esperanza because we believe in what

Esperanza stands for, Justice for all!

—Isabel Sánchez

Isabel was at the Peace Market concessions stand Angie Merla
every year selling her famous tamales, buñuelo & Isabel often
corbatitas and cakes. In recent years, her daughter, ran the kitchen
Lety, (left), helped her with sales but in previous years at Casa de
many, many buena gente worked with her willingly Cuentos during
including Coyote Phoenix (below). annual events
like Paseo & Dia
de los muertos.

9

Isabel Casillas Sánchez July 1, 1923 – June 14, 2021,

Abuela de la Esperanza, Guardian of the Westside

Aside from being present and active in most of the
Esperanza’s programs and progressive campaigns to
preserve the cultural arts, the environment and the
rights of Buena Gente, Isabel’s commitment to the Westside

of San Antonio inspired the Esperanza to engage in a whole

range of programming and actions related to the Westside.

With the preservation and development of El Rinconcito

de Esperanza, El Museo del Westside, MujerArtes’

Clay Arts Cooperative, Lerma’s Nite

Club and with the formation of groups

like the Westside Preservation Alliance,

The Corazones of the Esperanza, 2nd

Saturday’s Genealogy group and the

Historic Westside Residents’ Association—

the Esperanza community set out to preserve

and protect the culture, history, homes and

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 • landmarks of the Westside with Isabel’s

constant presence who insisted that “those

who live in and love the Westside must care for The Westside Preservation Alliance, a consortium of community activists, scholars and
it: because no one else will protect our people, residents came together after the demolition of an iconic Westside landmark, the rooftop
our homes, and our plantitas.” dance arena, La Gloria. The erasure of that Westside treasure prompted Esperanza to
add historic preservation of working class and Mexican American Westside barrios to
the list of social justice issues to advocate for and with the WPA has worked to save
buildings like the Maldonado House in a national campaign called, This Place Matters.

Left: Graciela Sánchez, Director
of the Esperanza researched her
own family roots with her parents,
Enrique and Isabel, during
the 2nd Saturday Genealogy
group sessions held at Casa de
Cuentos.

10 At right: Isabel shared her Isabel and Enrique kept their marriage alive for over
memories at a workshop on the 70 years with music and dance pictured here dancing
Chili Queens of San Antonio outdoors at the Rinconcito de Espranza.
hosted by the San Antonio Public
Library. Her maternal grandmother,
Teresa Cantú Rocha, owned a food
stand on Military Plaza (aka Plaza
de Zacate).

At left Isabel & Enrique
Sánchez exit City
Council Chambers after
asking for funds for the
restoration of Lerma’s
night club. At right,
the book & CD, Still
Here, with life stories
of Westside elders
including the story of
the Sanchezes pictured
on the back cover.
Isabel is also one of the
featured women in el
Museo del Westside.

Isabel and Enrique at Casa de
Cuentos where they engaged
in community meetings,
annual events and social
gatherings.

“They always say that the Isabel poses next to LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 •
Westside of San Antonio is a bad a photobanner of her
neighborhood and people always grandmother, Teresa, who 11
ask me why I still live in the old holds Isabel as an infant
barrio. But there is such beauty in on her lap. Above, Isabel’s
this community, in its people.  mother, Francisca Casillas is
We may be poor, but we’re good and the subject of another banner,
decent people. I’ve stayed in this part of the En Aquellos
neighborhood because I love it.” Tiempos..., Fotohistorias
del Westside project of the
—Isabel Casillas Sánchez, Esperanza Center.

who chose to stay in her barrio for

95 of her 97 years.

In Memory of Isabel Sánchez

Pura Agua Bendita

By Josie Merla Martin and Cynthia Spielman, Corazones de Esperanza

It is always hard to lose someone you love so your funeral!” My mother retorted, “No!

much, but it is even more difficult when they are I don’t want you to look better than me!”

so young. Isabel Sánchez was a few weeks shy of Mrs. Sánchez said that she was going to

her 98th birthday when she died, but she was one wear her lipstick so my mother needed to

of the most vibrant people I’ve ever met. When get better.

my mother, Josie, and I would get together with Isabel Sánchez was one of the founders

Isabel and Enrique at our regular lunch at Ginn’s, of the Corazones de Esperanza, a group of

it was like the years fell away as they talked and elders who met to share memories and food,

sang and teased and laughed. We shared birthday consciously preserving and recording the

cakes and friendship. Their Westside humor—an cultural history of the Westside, but also to

edgy humor—and one that can only be shared discuss important Westside

between close friends, was what kept us laughing: issues and to advocate for

My mother would call Mrs. Sánchez “holy water” the good of their community.

(agua bendita) that everyone wanted to touch She inspired us all in her

and mom playfully threatened to sit next to her at work for the Westside and

social events because so many people came up to Josie & Isabel for justice.
Isabel to talk. Mrs. Sánchez would retort that my (top) and at right I will always honor the
mother was just jealous and if she tried harder, Isabel & Enrique
pobrecita, people might like her too. Sánchez with a gifts Isabel gave me that will
pig’s head used to continue to guide: kindness
When Isabel would call my mother, Isabel make tamales in the when there is every reason
would say, “Let me sit down because of the traditional way. not to be kind, joy when

shock” (of her actually answering the phone). we can so easily give in to

When we drove to Ginns, our regular lunch date, my mother sorrow or anger, strength to

would make copies of songs and with Mr. Sánchez in the lead we work for better even when we are told it is useless, and love which

would all sing there and back. One time my mother noticed that remains strong even in the finality of death.

Isabel was not singing and Mr. Sánchez said that she was afraid Thank you for loving my mother and me. Thank you for loving

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 • because she couldn’t sing. That did not set well. After our next all of us. Even after the first deep grief subsides, we will always feel

song, after a moment of silence, Isabel asked if we could shut off your loss, but we will also laugh and talk and remember. I promise.

the radio because all it was playing was noise. EDITOR’S NOTE: There have been so many tributes and memories
Or the time we were making tamales, old school, at the Casa to share about Isabel that one issue of La Voz cannot do her justice.
We invite readers to continue to share tributes to her and we’ll print
de Cuentos and I opened the pot and a pig head stared back at as much as possible in upcoming issues and at our website: www.
me. I dropped the lid and whined: “It’s looking at me!” Isabel esperanzacenter.org. Thank you, for your love and concern as we
remarked, “Cynthia, grow up!” I was 60. try to live up to the memory of this magnificent being, named, Isabel
Casillas Sánchez who remains, ¡Presente!
There was the time my mother complained that she wasn’t
feeling well at lunch and Isabel told my mother she was going to
buy a new dress. My mother asked, “ Why?” Isabel replied, “For

12 Some of the Corazones de Esperanza (l to r)—Bernard & Enrique
Sánchez, Angie Merla, Josie Merla Martin, Mildred Hilbrich, Lucy
& Ray Pérez (behind) and Isabel & Gustavo Sánchez show off a
barrilete they made for Day of the Dead, as is done in Guatemala.

Elena Vela

February 1, 1948 – April 2, 2021

Retired career educator, Elena Vela 73, left this world on Good Friday, April 02, 2021 in her South
Austin home. She was a trailblazer in education and equality for all. Her legacy as an educator for
36 years at Austin ISD touched thousands of lives. During her tenure as principal at William
B. Travis High School (1991), the campus replaced the Confederate flag used at athletic
events. Ultimately, the rebel mascot, a grizzled Confederate soldier, was also replaced
and, the fight song, Dixie, was dropped from use in 2012.

Elena was born February 1, 1948 in Laredo, TX to Ambrosio Jr. and Maria Del
Socorro Vela. She was the fourth of eight children. She is survived by twin broth-
ers, Alberto and Alfredo and their families as well as many other family members
and countless friends and admirers. Elena’s career as an educator in AISD begin as
a Physical Education (PE) and history teacher at Brentwood Elementary and she
eventually became the First Hispanic Woman Principal of a high school in Austin,
Texas in 1984. She served as Principal at Travis High until 1996 continuing in admin-
istrative positions with the AISD until 2007.

Elena received countless awards and accolades throughout her career. Her accom-
plishments continued in various areas even after her retirement from teaching includ-
ing as President of Phi Delta Kappa at UT-Austin and as Eucharistic Minister at St.
Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church. Her spirit remained indomitable.

The Vela family requests that memorial contributions be made in Elena’s name for
the Austin Retired Teachers - “ARTA Foundation Fund” , Linda Harvey, Treasurer, P.O. Box
143483, Austin, Texas 78714. ARTA awards 14 High School Scholarships to deserving high
school seniors in each of the Austin ISD High Schools. Elena’s mantra was education for all so that
young people can achieve their fullest potential. Your donations keep her legacy alive.

Condolences to the Vela family on their loss and to the many communities that Elena was a part of
and touched, in a life well lived. ¡Elena Vela, presente!

Adán Hernández
October 15, 1951 - May 15, 2021
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 •
Adán Hernández was 69 when he died 1968 and was keenly aware of the so-
Photo credit: Melissa Richardson Banks
unexpectedly on Saturday, May 15. He cial inequities and barriers confronted

was one of the few celebrated Chicano by Chicano youth. His paintings

artists of San Antonio. Collectors of his reflected the cholo experience and his
art were as disparate as English actor, art was termed “neo-expressionism
Helen Mirren and Chicano actor, Cheech with Chicano noir.” Indeed, his
Marin, known for his collection of tour- works were literally dark and raw
ing Chicano artwork. Best known for the with overtones of surrealism. Actor
30 paintings he made for the 1993 movie, Jesse Borrego, who played artist
Blood In Blood Out by Taylor Hackford, Cruzito in the film, said of his close
Adán remained true to his Chicano roots friend: “That vato loco’s art is going
in San Antonio portraying barrio life to live forever. Vato loco art is forever.”
through the lens of the pachuco. After the Cheech Marin posted an Instagram
movie was released, two of his paintings photo of them together citing,
were purchased by the Metropolitan Mu-

seum of Art of New York City. Locally, “There is no purer voice
the San Antonio Museum of Art claimed from the barrio than Adán
one of his paintings for its permanent

collection. Cheech Marin, left, and Adán Hernández, right, at the Hernández. He was the ar-
Born in Childress, Texas, Adán grew Los Tejanos exhibit opening at the Art Museum of South
Texas in Corpus Christi on January 11, 2018. tistic soul of Chicano noir.”
up as a young boy in Robstown, the son
of migrant workers. At the age of eight, Condolences from the Esperanza’s

his family moved once again, settling in the Westside of San staff, board and buena gente to Adán’s familia and the community 13

Antonio. A product of Edgewood High School, Adán experi- of artists and friends whom he held dear.

enced the student walkouts of ¡Te aventaste, Adán! Adán Hernández, siempre, presente!

When Tragedy Strikes

By Kayla Miranda

You know that wall of heat that hits my frustration with the unprofessional

you in the summer when you step behavior I witnessed. While they are

outside? That’s what I felt the morning discussing theories in the presence of

of May 4th. Immediately the flames staff, they’re unknowingly costing me

caught my attention. My body took my home. “Don’t speak to them until

over so quickly that my mind had to you have concluded.” She apologized.

catch up. By the time I snapped, I had Twenty minutes later the male inves-

already gotten my sleeping children tigator came out claiming multiple

outside and was throwing buckets starting points. He needed to call arson.

of water on the fire. The thick black “Please do. I’d like a second opinion.”

smoke rolled through my apartment, He asked if I had renters’ insurance.

finally setting off smoke detectors. No. “Okay, well, let me see what else

My eyes burned. My chest tightened. I can find.” Shouldn’t they investigate

I couldn’t see anything. I just kept go- before accusing?

ing back. No thoughts. Only a primal The investigator came next with a

drive. Stop the threat. camera that hadn’t been plugged in.

Satisfied the fire was out, I went What happens to glass in direct fire? It blackens and breaks. Finally he came out with a candle. A gift
outside to find a police officer I hadn’t Yet I’m looking at the perfectly intact, clear glass of the that had been on my desk. He decided
this was what caused the fire and set it
called. Shortly after firefighters, SAHA candle, wicks solid white, so never lit...

employees and neighbors filled the on the porch. Menace took a picture.

yard. Dispatch calls. “Fire, minor children at home alone. Pos- He allowed staff in. Why would staff be allowed in but not me?

sible candle”. What? The officer never checked to see if anyone I still didn’t have shoes! I see Menace taking photos of where

was inside. He didn’t question me. He just assumed. I was angry. the smoke detectors were. The firefighters removed them all to

Not because of the mistake the officer made, but the reactions in stop the beeping. I shouted, “Everyone heard them going off.”

SAHA staff as we all heard those assumptions broadcasted. SAHA charges $100 per detector if taken down or if dead.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 • I must explain. Prior to this we received notices outlining “Who’s smarter than a 5th grader?” What happens to glass in

prohibited items: small trampolines, kiddie pools, grills, and kid’s direct fire? It blackens and breaks. Yet I’m looking at the per-

sidewalk chalk on buildings (considered graffiti). Under 18 must fectly intact, clear glass of the candle, wicks solid white so never

always be supervised. Also, if any lease violation resulted in prop- lit, evidence that some wax heated and spilled out while it rolled.

erty damage, automatic eviction. We aren’t allowed candles, either. Explain the burn pattern? How did a candle jump to the basket

The firefighters gave the all clear, prompting my kids to run then back, only to fall off the edge and roll under my bed, leaving

inside for shoes and phones. Some staff including a maintenance a wax trail on the floor starting 18 in. from the fire moving in the

worker that I will call Menace go in and out of my unit. I went in- opposite direction? Magic?

side to get a few items. A male investigator came from my room I had to find an electrician to debunk this nonsense quickly.

and told me to put everything down and leave. “Come again?” I received a call stating that I needed two turn in a statement. I

If 9 people that just came through here didn’t contaminate the ended up speaking to 6 different staff in an hour. It was clear they

scene, neither did I. A drink, my ashtray and cigarettes were all I were going to evict me. Frustrated with being treated like a crimi-

held - items from my living room, not the bedroom. I didn’t even nal, I put staff on speaker when the electrician gave his report. It

have my shoes yet. “YOU WILL put that down and leave. This was definitely the salt lamp plug overheating. I also emailed the

is an investigation.” Walking out I see Menace 6’ from the door interim CEO and vented my frustrations. Not 10 minutes later,

smirking, phone pointed at my living room. He definitely wasn’t they turned my power back on and no longer needed a statement.

“capturing the damage” for insurance purposes. Why did I have to get outside help to be treated like a human

Next I hear, “She’s a smoker” called out by the investigator, being? My biggest concern. If it had been any other resident,

as if his detective skills sussed out some dark secret. On my front they would have lost everything. And the investigator? When my

porch, next to the still smoldering remains of my clothes and parent’s shed caught fire, there were no accusations or disrespect.

footlocker, I see him place my ashtray down so close that the side Then again, my parents owned the house. Would that investigator

actually melted. Menace takes a picture. Smoking is prohibited have treated me like that if I wasn’t a public housing tenant?

within 30’ of buildings. Thus the ashtray cup I take out when I go The next 2 days only problems were Menace being rude

to the sidewalk to smoke. and so many conflicting calls by different staff. Thursday eve-

Willful misrepresentation of facts by Alazan staff is noth- ning, I cleaned out my room and the smell was mostly gone.

14 ing new. This wasn’t a lingering doubt, but a truth pulsating to So when I got a call telling me they had a unit for me to use, I
my core. When the female investigator came out, I expressed didn’t need it.

Notas Y Más Start your 2021
tax deductible gifts
July/Aug 2021
Give to the Esperanza in spirit of solidarity so we
Community meetings and art events are currently on hold due can continue to speak out, organize and fight
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check websites, FB or call 210-228- for our communities for another 30 Years. Your
0201 for virtual meetings and arts programming for each month. support is needed NOW more than ever! Thank
www.esperanzacenter.org you for your gifts!
Send donations to Esperanza
Gemini Ink offers San Antonio Catholic
Esperanza Peace
workshops this Worker House, 626 And Justice Center

summer including Sifting and Nolan, seeks donations 922 San Pedro Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78212
Sorting: Developing Fiction from of the following: small bags of chips,
To sign up as a monthly donor,
Family Anecdotes with Diane peanut butter crackers, small bags of Call 210.228.0201 or

Gonzales Bertrand via Zoom on nuts or trail mix, granola bars, 12 oz email: [email protected]
Wed, July 14 & 21 from 6:30- disposable coffee cups and plastic
8:30pm. Cost: Nonmember $125; forks & spoons. Call 210.224.7736 Visit www.esperanzacenter.org/donate
Member $105; Student: $75 For a or visit sa-catholicworker.org for online giving options.
schedule of classes offered check:
¡Mil Gracias!
geminiink.org/events/ Survivor’s Network

SA’s Main Plaza, home of of those Abused by
San Fernando Cathedral, Priests, meets virtually every 1st
offers free activities all and 3rd Tuesday of the month from
summer long from movies, to live 7-9pm. Contact Patti Koo at
music to The Saga light show 956.648.7385 or snappkoo@gamil.
screened on the Cathedral’s facade. com or Zac Zepeda at 210.317.7511
or [email protected] for info.
Check mainplaza.org

9am, Friday. Menace and staff came to change Rudy & Albert Garza LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 •
my locks. I wasn’t allowed in for 3 weeks. “What
about beds, dishes, clothes and internet for the kids’ Lifetime friends and brothers, Rudy and Albert Garza passed away 15
school? 3 weeks?” Menace started to mansplain, I cut this summer weeks from each other. A memorial service was held for
him off. “I have a back injury, I can’t carry furniture. both on May 28th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where they were
I can go to the other unit while they work but need remembered as part of a close knit family who enjoyed being together
to come back at night.” Menace replies, “ You are for family gatherings and holidays. Both Rudy and Albert loved to
not allowed to enter this unit for 3 weeks.” I asked,” travel and served in the U.S. Armed Forces: Albert in the US Air Force
What about my stuff?” He countered with, “ That’s and Rudy in the US Army. Rudy regularly attended Esperanza events
why we gave you a unit.” They expected me to take striking an imposing figure with his wide brimmed Mexican sombreros
my kids to an empty unit that has stairs, for 3 weeks and beautiful Mexican shirts. Esperanza staff and buena gente extend
with no entrance to my unit? With my back and my our condolences to their families and
son’s seizures? I finally lost it. So I made calls. friends, especially their sisters, Estela
Villarreal and Rosie Zertuche who was
The contracted crew arrived while I was on the a part of MujerArtes and continues to
phone. They had been told I’d be there by staff the produce beautiful artwork, nichos and
day before and had no idea why I was told dif- clayware. May Albert
ferently. Estimated 2 days. It ended up being 4. and Rudy continue their
Strangely. I got a call 2 weeks later from staff tell- adventures in the world
ing me they were done. I wonder how often main- beyond. In this world
tenance waits weeks to close out completed orders? they will be missed.
I’m grateful for our Interim CEO, but change has to
happen with staff on all levels, and first responders Los hermanos Garza:
coming on to property. Albert (l) and Rudy (r),
presentes! —QEPD
To get more of my misadventures, check out my
blog on westsidedefender.org

BIO: Kayla Miranda, a housing advocate organizing
in the Westside of San Antonio, resides at the Alazán
Apache Courts with her children.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • July /Aug 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 6 •

Check Esperanza’s Tiendita is online
www.esperanzacenter.org
www.tiendita.esperanzacenter.org
and FaceBook/
esperanzacenter Order online or
call 210-228-0201 to schedule a visit.
for Upcoming
Concerts Textiles, jewelry, clay art, indigenous clothing,
vintage goods y más!
Noche Azul
Esperanza Peace & Justice Center Non-Profit Org.
in Casa Sessions 922 San Pedro San Antonio TX 78212 US Postage
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Dedicated to providing social TO CANCEL A SUBSCRIPTION EMAIL [email protected] CALL: 210.228.0201
justice organizing and community
expression with news, music and Wednesday, July 28
@ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
programs by women, people of
color and LGBTQ, working class Location: TBA

and poor communities. The Present

Reverberations by Farah Nabulsi
of Racial Violence
On his wedding anniversary, Yusef and his
Edited by Sonia Hernández and daughter set out in the West Bank to buy his wife
John Morán González a gift. Between soldiers, segregated roads and
checkpoints, how easy would it be to go shopping?
Between 1910 and 1920, Join us for a screening of the British Academy Film
thousands of Mexican Awards winning short film (25 minutes), The Present, followed by a
Americans and Mexican community discussion facilitated by members of San Antonio for Justice in Palestine
nationals were killed on and Jewish Voice for Peace, San Antonio. Free and open to the public.
the Texas border. Despite
a 1919 investigation of Check: www.sanantonioalliance.org or www.esperanzacenter.org
the state-sanctioned vio-
lence, especially by Texas
Rangers, no one was held responsible.
Reverberations gathers 14 essays on this dark
chapter in history and provides for an opportu-
nity to move beyond the Black-white paradigm
of American nation-making with its rampant
racial violence and civil rights activism.
Available at UT Press (bit.ly/utpress-reverb)!
With a Foreword by Antonia I. Castañeda