La Voz - May 2021

May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4 San Antonio, Tejas

Fight Back! Vote! Begin with San Antonio local Elections, May 1, 2021

Photo: wiredforlego

Photo: Thomas Hawk

Feature Article:
Texas Republicans say their proposed voting restrictions are color blind.

But many see “Jim Crow in a tuxedo.”

La Voz de Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers this May of 2021. I wish you a day of
Esperanza
flowers, food, fun and family presence. In the spirit of Mother’s Day, I got to thinking how
May 2021 voting affects mothers and thought about my own mother, now 94. In the last few years,
Vol. 34 Issue 4 voting has been more of a challenge, but with the strict voting laws now being enacted as
outlined in this issue of La Voz it may become even harder. I asked the Voz design person,
Editor: Gloria A. Ramírez Elizandro, about his mother and her voting practices and her story was 180 degrees from my
Design: Elizandro Carrington mother’s story, but both are worthy of sharing…

Contributors Tiburcia Ramirez, mother of Gloria A. Ramirez, Editor of La Voz:
Mom is now 94 and has seriously impaired vision. She moves
Rachel Jennings, Jere Locke, Kayla Miranda, slowly with effort due to a knee that bothers her, at times. She
Rogelio Saenz, Sabrina Sojourner, Alexa Ura worries about having a bathroom close by. Mom has a 3rd grade
education and gets her information about life and politics through
[The Texas Tribune] pláticas with her comadres, Las Guadalupanas, her primas and
through the Church. When voting, in recent years, both mom and
La Voz Mail Collective dad would need assistance. I would read mom the ballot, while
Dad went through it on his own with me nearby to answer
The Collective is sheltering at home due to the
COVID-19 pandemic but will be returning when questions. I felt fairly secure in helping them. Dad passed away 2 years ago and Mom contin-
ued voting using a mail-in ballot. As I read it aloud, I mark the ballot for her as she indicates.
their health and safety can be assured. Extra She signs her name even though she can’t see the signature line. I worry now that her ballot
funds are being raised to pay for folding La Voz will be thrown out! My best memory of mom voting is when after voting in the presidential
primary for la Sra. Clinton in 2008, she voted in the presidential election. When I asked her
each month during this time. who she was voting for she did not say, the Democrat nor did she identify her candidate by
race, she simply said, Voy a votar por el joven—I’m voting for the young one (Obama)!
Esperanza Director
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4 Margaret González, mother of Elizandro Carrington, Designer of
Graciela I. Sánchez La Voz: My mother took voting seriously. She felt people should
be held accountable for their actions and she saw voting as
Esperanza Staff change. As a serious voter, she was impressive. . . and possibly
scary if you were a candidate. She kept track of all her elected
Elizandro Carrington, Kayla Miranda, officials. From Presidents, to Senators, to school board represen-
Paul Plouf, Kristel Orta-Puente, tatives, none were safe from her and her files. She read the
paper, watched the news, listened to speeches and knew exactly
Natalie Rodríguez, Imgard Akinyi Rop, what they said, promised and voted. Her files were notes and
René Saenz, Susana Segura,
Amelia Valdez, Rosa Vega clippings of things she liked and didn’t like. Her file guaranteed she’d make informed
choices. If someone wrote about a judge’s ruling. . . into the file. If a newsletter mentioned
Conjunto de Nepantleras what a local school board rep said. . . into the file. If a member of the House of Representa-
—Esperanza Board of Directors— tives voted yea or nay...into the file. Before voting she would cross check the ballot against
her files. Democrat, Republican or 3rd party didn’t matter. If she
Richard Aguilar, Norma Cantú, Yasmina Codina, liked what you did, you got her vote; if she didn’t, you didn’t. If you
Brent Floyd, Rachel Jennings, Amy Kastely, weren’t in her file, she’d follow the League of Women’s Voters
Angie Merla, Jan Olsen, Ana Lucía Ramírez, Guide. The one thing she never did was make an uninformed
Gloria A. Ramírez, Rudy Rosales, choice. If she didn’t know who you were, you were skipped. To her,
Lilliana Saldaña, Nadine Saliba, voting was sacred. She transcended politics with her belief and
Graciela I. Sánchez, Lillian Stevens turned it into a spiritual journey. It was a part of who she was.

• We advocate for a wide variety of social, If you have a story about the role voting has had in your family,
economic & environmental justice issues.
please, write it down and send to: [email protected]
• Opinions expressed in La Voz are not
necessarily those of the Esperanza Center. Resist and Vote! —Gloria A. Ramirez

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Texas Republicans say their
proposed voting restrictions are

color blind. But many see “Jim
Crow in a tuxedo.”

An outraged Lt. Gov. illegal for local election officials to

Dan Patrick casti- proactively send applications for

gated those implying mail-in ballots to voters, even if they

that GOP efforts to qualify, and restricting the distribu-

restrict Texas voting tion of polling places and voting

are racist. But the machines in diverse, urban counties.

state has a history of Their intent, GOP leaders say, is

marginalizing voters to protect the “integrity” and stan-

of color, and many dardization of Texas elections from

business leaders, vot- local efforts like those Harris County

ing rights advocates devised in November to expand vot-

and Democrats see it ing access. But the pushback from

taking another step local leaders, Democrats, big busi-

down that path. ness and voting rights advocates has

By Alexa Ura, Houston voters waited in line on the first day of early voting last October. Credit: Annie Mulligan been intense, centering on concerns
The Texas Tribune that the legislation’s effects will
April 9, 2021 almost certainly make voting harder
for groups Texas’ voting rules have

Two nights of voting for The Texas Tribune long marginalized — voters of color, LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4
in Houston, eight months apart, each occurring as midnight slipped voters with disabilities, low-income voters and voters with limited
by, lay bare the fault line cutting through Texas’ ongoing debate English proficiency — and who are the most likely to be shut out
about voter suppression. when voting procedures are tightened.

First, the March 3, 2020, presidential primary. On the campus In an angry press conference Tuesday, yelling at times, Patrick
of Texas Southern University, a historically Black college, hundreds objected to suggestions that Republicans are deliberately targeting
waited in a line that wrapped through a campus library and out into a voters of color in Democratic strongholds.
courtyard for four hours, then five, then six after polls were supposed
to close at 7 p.m. — the result of an unexpected surge of Democratic “Senate Bill 7 is about voter security, not about voter suppres-
voters and a mismanagement of voting machines. sion, and I’m tired of the lies and the nest of liars who continue to
repeat them,” Patrick said, focusing much of his ire on Fort Worth-
Then in November, Houston residents — most of them people based American Airlines and Harris County leaders who spoke up
of color — were again voting after hours in the general election, but against the bill.
this time it was intentional. Harris County had set up a day of 24-
hour voting to make it easier for voters, like shift workers, who face He continued: “You’re questioning my integrity and the integrity
difficulty getting to the polls during traditional hours. of the governor and the integrity of the 18 Republicans who voted
for this when you suggest that we’re trying to suppress the vote. You
The first scene was one of frustration and disenfranchisement, are, in essence, between the lines, calling us racist, and that will not
not unusual in a state with some of the strictest voting rules in the na- stand.”
tion. The second felt celebratory, a moment when it seemed democ-
racy went right and people were welcomed to the voting booth. As they successfully shepherded SB 7 through the Senate over
the last two weeks, Republicans argued that it is a race-neutral bill,
It is the second scene that pushed Texas’ Republican lead- not designed to discriminate, in part because the state’s voter rolls are
ers to act. “color blind” and voters don’t list their race or ethnicity when they
register.
Outlawing 24-hour voting is one part of Senate Bill 7, priority
legislation backed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and But to critics, especially those familiar with past election restric-
likely most Republicans in the ongoing legislative session. The bill
will enact other sweeping changes to voting, including making it 3tions that Texas has passed that made it harder for already-marginal-

ized voters to participate, “neutrality” is a false flag. The legislation

passed the Senate down barriers “to

with zero support diversity, equity

from Democrats, and inclusion in

including every our society” in-

senator of color in stead of creating

the chamber, who them. That op-

over seven hours position teed up a

of debate on series of broader

the Senate floor statements from

listed concerns other corpora-

about the harmful tions calling for

effects the bill equal access to

could have on voting and came

voters of color. ahead of Major

“I’m in League Base-

disbelief that ball’s decision to

our esteemed pull its All-Star

body would Game from Geor-

consider legisla- gia in response

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SB 7, which they called “unfair, unequitable and immoral,” that
The legislation is part of a broader Republican push to make
make it easy for some Texans to vote while creating obstacles
changes to voting laws in a state with already restrictive rules. It
for others using a “familiar strategy.” Its signatories included
echoes national efforts by Republicans in state legislatures across
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4 the country — largely built on claims of widespread voter fraud for former Dallas Mayor and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk,
Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell and Dallas Mav-
which there is little to no evidence — to rework voting rules after
ericks CEO Cynt Marshall.
voters of color helped flip key states to Democratic control.
“Texas continues to engage in the same kinds of practices

SB 7 targets Harris County initiatives like extended early that produced the oppression that this great cloud of witnesses
voting hours and drive-thru voting, which were dispropor- had to overcome,” the Rev. Frederick Haynes III, a pastor at the
tionately used by voters of color in November. The bill also Friendship-West Baptist Church of Dallas and a signatory on
the ad, said Wednesday while standing with other faith lead-

singles out voters receiving assistance inside the polling ers in front of the Texas African American History Memorial

place, including in filling out their ballot, by allowing poll monument on the Capitol grounds. “Because unfortunately
watchers to record them if the poll watcher “reasonably we have those in leadership in Texas government who have in
believes” that the assistance is “unlawful.”That provision their ideological DNA the same mindset … of those individuals
who upheld Jim and Jane Crow segregation. Gov. Abbott and

has drawn particular concerns about the policing of voters his Republican cronies have decided to dress up Jim and Jane

with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency Crow in a tuxedo of what they call voter integrity.”
— most of whom are Hispanic and historical targets of In response to the corporate blowback, Abbott — who
voter intimidation in Texas — who would be among those
declared “election integrity” a priority for the 2021 legislative
session — announced he would no longer throw out the cere-

most likely to receive help to vote. monial first pitch at the Texas Rangers’ home opening game and

would boycott any other Major League Baseball events over

Hours after SB 7 cleared the Senate, American Airlines be- “false political narratives” he claimed the league was pushing.
In a Fox News television interview Tuesday, Abbott said
4 came the first corporate giant to come out against the bill, citing
provisions “that limit access to voting” and the need to break he was sending a message to Texas-based companies that have

unfortunately we have those in leadership in Texas government who have in
their ideological DNA the same mindset … of those individuals who upheld Jim
and Jane Crow segregation. Gov. Abbott and his Republican cronies have decid-
ed to dress up Jim and Jane Crow in a tuxedo of what they call voter integrity.”
— Rev. Frederick Haynes III, a pastor at the Friendship-West Baptist Church of Dallas

“made the very same mistake” of coming out against Republi- and was eventually eased to match a judge’s suggested rules.

can proposals to change the state’s voting laws. As part of the call on corporations to stand against SB 7

“What we need to do is have these business leaders realize and other Republican proposals, Texas voting rights advocates
they don’t need to be responding to tweets or these bogus argu- and organizers also pointed to the state’s increased turnout, and
ments that were put forth by people like Stacey Abrams and the voters of color behind it, to identify what they see as the
others in Georgia,” Abbott said. genesis for the changes the Legislature is considering.

Abrams, a former Democratic candidate Although it topped out at 66% participa-
for governor in Georgia and a prominent

voting rights advocate, has denounced tion, Texas saw the highest turnout in decades

restrictions recently signed into law in in 2020. After the election, Republicans remain

Georgia, where she said Republicans had in full control of state government, but Demo-
“outperformed in the category of suppres- crats have continued to drive up their vote
sive laws” by shrinking the window for counts as the electorate continues to expand
voters to request absentee ballots, imposing in the state’s urban centers and diversifying
new voter ID requirements for absentee vot- suburban communities.
ing, and banning the handing out of water

and food to people waiting in line to vote, In a virtual press conference Tuesday,

among several other new restrictions. Like those advocates called Republicans out for

in Texas, the new rules were passed under imposing more restrictions on voting while
refusing to consider measures like online voter
the banner of securing elections. registration that could open the door to more
participation. The state should be building on
Even in defending their proposals, Texas the progress it made on turnout in 2020 instead
of “advancing the path toward voter suppres-
Republicans have run into the Legislature’s Stacy Abrams, voting rights activist and sion,” said Devin Branch of the Texas Orga- LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4
own history of passing voting laws that founder of Fair Fight, a national voting rights
were later found to unequally burden voters organization rooted in Georgia where recently
of color. enacted voter restriction laws include banning
the handing out of water and food to people
The lieutenant governor on Tuesday waiting in line to vote.

attempted to characterize the criticism of nizing Project, which advocates for communities of color and
SB 7 as “race baiting” by those raising concerns about how it low-income Texans.
could suppress the votes of Texans of color, pointing to similar
criticism Republicans faced when they worked to pass one of “Every person who genuinely believes in democracy abhors
the strictest voter ID laws in the country in 2011. His defense attempts to undermine it, and these bills are harmful to democ-
was based on the increased voter participation the state has racy,” Branch said. “This is about those in power seeking to

seen in recent elections — in part a result of a growing Demo- retain power by disempowering and disenfranchising Black and

cratic electorate and the draw of more competitive races. (Pat- Latino voters. Full stop.”

rick cited the large increase in the raw numbers of votes cast,

which is generally a reflection of the state’s rapidly growing Note: The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media

population and doesn’t accurately capture increases in voter organization that informs Texans — and engages with them –

turnout over time.) about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

But Patrick left out that a federal judge and the U.S. 5th Cir- bit.ly/tx-crow.
cuit Court of Appeals — considered to be among the country’s

most conservative appellate courts — ultimately found the Bio: Alexa Ura is an associate editor and reporter at The Tex-
state’s voter ID law disproportionately harmed voters of color,
who were less likely to have one of the seven forms of identifi- as Tribune. As the Tribune’s demographics reporter, she covers
cation the state required voters to present before they could cast
their ballots. The law was blocked for years after it was passed the intersection between politics and race with an emphasis on 5

the state’s surging Hispanic population.

Burma’s Long & Bloody Struggle
for Democracy

By Jere Locke

The history of Burma (now called Myanmar) for the past 43 years is In response, the military junta started a very violent repression

one of repeated uprisings followed by cruel and bloody repressions. with many of the 600 plus deaths due to military snipers. The real

In 1988 the uprising was largely among students many of whom number of deaths might be much higher as in the chaos it is hard to

were killed or imprisoned and often tortured by the military junta. have an accurate count. On March 27th over 100 were killed and

In 2007 the Saffron then the following funerals were attacked and many more died.

Revolt was led by Thousands more have been imprisoned in the past two months with

Buddhists monks many tortured.

supported by many Up to now unable to stop the demonstrations in cities all over

sectors of the coun- Burma, the junta started to hunt down the leaders of the revolt. They

try which was dealt might imprison and torture them but the revolt will continue perhaps

changing into an armed

revolt in the cities. In the

meantime, it will continue

because unlike previous

uprisings, the social media

Demonstrators hold up signs protesting presence and info-tech
against the military coup & demanding the savvy of the youth keeps
release of elected leader Aung San Suu information flowing which
Kyi (pictured above) in Yangon, Myanmar, continues even when

February 13, 2021. REUTERS/Stringe the junta shuts down the

internet.

with brutally by the junta. The The Burmese commu-

most recent revolt started on Feb. nity here in Texas has had

1st after Aung San Suu Kyi, their demonstrations

Nobel Prize winner, was impris- in Dallas, Austin

oned after her party once again and Houston. This

overwhelmingly won a national Lady Justice cosplayer at a Myanmar coming weekend
election. In past years she had Military Coup Protest, February 11, 2021. there will be more
in Dallas and
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4 served in house arrest for 15 years.

Members of different sectors of the Burmese community joined Houston, where

together under their own banners. These sectors included medical it will be in front

professionals, engineers, railway and copper mine workers, lawyers, of the 60-story

teachers, students and other parts of the Burmese community. This Chevron build-

movement has brought almost all civil services and other govern- ing in downtown

ment administration grinding to a full stop, not only in the big cities “Our government is elected officials…” a sign declares at a Houston. Chevron
but also in the ethnic areas. This revolt is much more widespread and potest in Myanmar against the Military Coup, Feb.14, 2021. has been doing

stronger than any previous revolt. business in Burma

Many of the indigenous groups in the mountains along the Thai- for years and gives a generous part of its profits to the Burma junta..

Burma border signed a cease-fire agreement with the military junta All over the world the Burmese and their supporters are attempting

in 2012 after decades of war. However, recently when the military to stop the flow of corporate money to the junta that is being used to

started a savage repression in the large cities of central Burma, these deny them their democracy and kill many of them in the streets.

groups attacked some army outposts in the mountains to indicate There are tentative plans to do a demonstration in San Anto-

their opposition to what was happening in the big cities.. Further- nio but first the organizers need to finish the coming Houston and

more, many went to join the protests in the main cities under their Dallas demonstrations. If you want to explore how you might help

ethnic banners. contact Stephen Yoe, four-time past president of the Texas Burmese

They did this in spite of the fact that Aung San Suu Kyi has never American Association, at [email protected] or Jere Locke at

supported their struggles. One of the ethnic Karen leaders recently [email protected] or call 512-203-8858,

said that “although the NLD (Aung San Suu Kyi’s party) leaders One easy way to express your solidarity with the struggle in

have shown very little knowledge or respect for ethnic peoples when Burma is signing this petition – bit.ly/chevron-no or getting a few of

they were running the government, but now is the time for unity.” your friends to demonstrate in front of a Chevron station.

At the beginning of the uprising many of the signs were about For more information go to www.justiceformyanmar.org

freeing Aung but that emphasis has been replaced over the past

months to more signs about the replacing the military junta and op- Bio: Jere Locke, former director of the Texas Fair Trade Coalition,
is co-founder & organizer with the Texas Drought Project.
6 pression of the often forgotten ethnic people.

Returning Home White Bread

I sit at the steering wheel, my hands Poems Three days before my colonoscopy,
at three o’clock, nine o’clock— for the on doctor’s orders, I buy white bread,
the revised teaching of the DMV. Month a block of cheddar, a jug of skim milk.
I switch on the headlights, I almost weep with joy.
steel myself to start the day. of
My brain is foggy—not enough coffee. May For thirty years, I have abstained
2021 from white bread, fearful of diabetes,
As my fingers jiggle the key cancer, a stroke, or heart disease.
in a practiced sequence, I realize
my marked-up textbook lies Now, for two days preceding a clear
among the clutter on the table. liquid diet,
Turning the key counter-clockwise, I eat white bread to my heart’s desire—
I tease it from the ignition, no guilt, remorse, or shame required.
then swing my legs out of the car.
One day, I think, arthritis As a child, I loved fresh white bread.
will make this heaving of hips hard. I loved pulling apart the fluffy fibers
like pink wisps of cotton candy
I find the book at once, or after half an hour, or squishing the bread in my fingers,
perhaps not at all, then return to the wheel which to me was magic or alchemy,
but recall that I have not packed a meal. returning the blob to gooey dough.
On a third trip, I remember my phone
that is nestled on the bed. Back inside I go I loved bread sprinkled with sugar,
with anger, dread. Odd that life bread and honey with a glass of milk,
happens in these tiresome returns or bread with margarine and jelly,
to rescue what is left behind. which called to mind
Some days I forget my purse that favorite book,
with its wallet, comb, lip balm; Bread and Jam for Frances,
other days, I leave pens, loose chalk, or the marmalade sandwich
apples or oranges for a late snack, in Paddington Bear.
a much-used bookbag or backpack.
Again and again, the same path I track. I loved toast, too—

By now I am cursing, ruing the hour Grapefruit French toast, LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4
I had to wake. Anxious, rushed, cinnamon toast,
I feel my blood pressure soar. Glittering teeth cheese toast,
I sweat, face flushed. of a serrated spoon even toast dunked
scrape the membrane in my mother’s coffee.
The day of a final exam, I make it to school between peel and fruit,
before learning I wear bedroom shoes. then scoop deep, As communion steward at age twelve,
I race to the house, no time to lose. juice and seeds flying, I cut Kern’s bread slices into cubes
to lift flesh into the bowl. stacked pyramid-style on a paten,
Then, too, like a child, I often yearn, A finger nudges then poured Welch’s grape juice
though now blocks down the street, the plump shape into clear glass chalicules
for some loved object to soothe me: onto a white china plate. that fit into holes in a silver tray
a dog-eared book, a colorful tea tin, like the drive-in cardboard kind
the early lines of a poem. —Rachel Jennings for milkshakes—
I turn around, return home. all prepared for congregants kneeling
Re-entering the house calms at the altar rail on Sunday.
my nerves; permits me to bid
goodbye to blankets, pillow; Now, at fifty-five,
witness morning sunlight I prepare with white bread
in the kitchen window. and (white) grape juice
for that other sacrament,
History is this way: a habit, a pattern. Bio: Rachel Jennings is a San a rite of passage, the colonoscopy, 7
Again and again, we return Antonio educator and poet. Cur- which will cleanse my soul,
to what is familiar, what can be borne, rently, she is working on a chap- or at least my colon,
thinking to correct some error book, Cancer Hat, which explores washing my high-carb, low-fiber,
but forgetting the error before. through poetry the inner journey white flour sins away.
of cancer patients.
—Rachel Jennings —Rachel Jennings

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4 A Gift for You

Here,
is a gift for you
It is endless, even boundless so
take as much as you need... then
take some more.
I assure you the supply of the gift
is boundless
Here...
This is free and freely offered
no strings
no expectations
... only the desire for you to take
all you need and then take some more...
Be sated, not just full
Here
is the opportunity
to fill yourself
to replenish yourself
to imagine yourself or
fulfill your image of yourself
It is up to you how & when or if you
make any use of the gift.
Here
is my gift of words.
Birthed through the merger of heart and intention; the
desire to honor the past by naming the legacy and the
Spiritual shoulders that created the
ground on which I am...
Here
to give to you what I have deciphered
of my life notes...
interpreted from my charts and runes
regarding the galaxies of
difference,
distinction and
being
Here,
Taste and take of
moments only now comprehended
the sounds of life’s renewal and miracle
the sheer magic of being who
I am and
we are
It is here...
Here!
Take all that you need, even that which you are unsure of its

8 use

Take it all and save what you want
until you know it was meant to be used or
passed on or
released again into the world.
There really is enough – more than enough for everyone
– everyone who wants to take.
Here,
drink deeply of any or all of the
libations offered.
Ask for what you may not immediately see
...it is all here
ready and available...
I want you never, again, to thirst.
Replenishment is constant
Effortless and
Always on time!
Please drink deeply!
You’ve been thirsty too long
Drink deeply and never thirst, again.
Here,
Eat well and hankering will cease,
allowing you to eat sumptuously
to never hanker, again.
Graze, if you like; scarf if you must, pile a plate as high as
the sky
or eat in courses.
It only matters that you eat well.
Eat well and be sated.

Here, There is plenty, including LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4
I cannot tell you what to take. Plenty of room for you on this
I cannot teach you what is best for you, or Or another path; 9
most useful for what you do. At this
I cannot even assure you that you
will find that which you seek or Or another table...
think you need. Eat, drink, dream and be plenty for yourself!
The process and the responsibility is Then you will be plenty for others.
totally in your control.
However, Here,
If you take the journey and you Take all that you need and more and
find something for you, Be plenty for yourself and others.
know in that moment you are Take what you need – take all that you need and
welcome to take it all, Be plenty for yourself and others.
then take some more.
Here –Sabrina Sojourner
Is a gift intended for all willing
to explore the journey of life. Bio: Shaliakh Tzibur and Community Chaplain Sabrina Sojourner
Take all you need has been leading services, teaching and cultivating curiosity within
Create what you believe missing Judaism for nearly 20 years. She’s been a featured speaker, scholar-
in-residence and faculty at synagogues, conferences, retreats and
Shabbatons across the country.

Commentary:

Latinos will pay for governors’ errors

By Rogelio Sáenz

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has rescinded the statewide mask deaths per 100,000 Latinos, behind the District of Colum-

mandate and reopened Texas — moves that, data bia, New Jersey, New York and Arizona. Texas ranks

suggest, will disproportionately harm Latinos. 19th and 29th in white and Black COVID-19

Nobody can accuse Gov. Greg Abbott of age-adjusted death rates, respectively.

being overprotective of Texans. What’s the situation like in the Mag-

A few weeks ago, his penchant for nolia State? There, Blacks and whites

skimping and deregulation caused are overrepresented among COVID-19

the Texas grid to collapse when a fatalities, although Blacks have died

snowstorm swept through the state, at a rate 1.7 times higher than whites.

wreaking havoc for a week. Blacks account for all Mississippians

Last week, Abbott announced 18 to 29 years old who have died

his decision to open up the state for from COVID-19 (whites in these

business — “100 percent” — and do age groups have also died, but their

away with the mask mandate in the numbers are so small they are not

midst of the pandemic. reported), 67 percent of those 30 to 49,

He has gotten a lot of flak for his and 55 percent of fatalities among those

rash and politically motivated decision. 50 to 64.

Public health experts have warned Abbott’s With 322 deaths per 100,000 Blacks in

ruling will result in climbing COVID-19 infec- the state, Mississippi has the fifth-highest Black

tions and deaths. President Joe Biden weighed in, age-adjusted death rate in the nation, behind New

describing Abbott’s and Mississippi Gov. Tate Note: Image was not part of the original article. York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Iowa. To

Reeves’ decisions as “Neanderthal thinking.” boot, Mississippi has the highest white CO-

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman took exception to VID-19 death rate in the country, with 187 deaths per 100,000.

Biden’s sting, characterizing it as unfair — to Neanderthals. Abbott and Reeves have put residents in danger with their ir-

Abbott’s irresponsible action will undoubtedly cost lives. responsible decisions to open their states — “100 percent” — for

However, as has been true the past year, the misery will not be business and dispose of mask mandates. Given the patterns that

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4 randomly distributed. Latinos will bear the brunt of the suffering. we have seen over the past year, Latinos are especially at risk of

Using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provisional being hurt by Abbott’s decision, and Blacks and even whites in

data on COVID-19 deaths between Jan. 1, 2020, and Feb. 27, I Mississippi due to Reeves’ ruling.

estimate Latinos have died at a rate 2.5 times higher than whites If, as many public health experts predict, their actions lead

and 1.7 times higher than Blacks. To date, Latinos account for 46 to increasing infections and deaths, Abbott and Reeves will need

percent of all COVID-19 fatalities in the state and for all reported to be held accountable. The pandemic has taught us much, but

deaths at ages below 18 (Black and white children and adoles- particularly concerning the resurgence of misery when we let our

cents also have died from COVID, but the numbers have been guards down. Unfortunately, with all due respect to Neanderthals,

so low, they are not reported); 71 percent of those 18 to 29; 68 their logic persists in the governorships of Texas and Mississippi.

percent of those 30 to 49; and 60 percent of COVID-19 deaths of Bio: Rogelio Sáenz is a professor in the Department of Demog-
those between 50 and 64. raphy at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

National comparisons also shine a light on the precarious

situation of Latinos in our state. Texas has the fifth-highest Latino Commentary for the San Antonio Express News, March 10, 2021

COVID-19 age-adjusted death rate in the country, with 349 Reprinted with permission of the author.

Remembering the Great Flood of 1921 in San Antonio

Share your memories and stories: of the creeks of San Antonio,
of floods you have experienced, of flood prevention efforts in the 70s & beyond or stories you’ve heard of the Great Flood of 1921!

A brochure of these stories will be available at the Esperanza Center as well as a digital site with the stories and our research.
Email stories to [email protected] or mail them the Esperanza Center, 922 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212.

10 Coming Fall 2021!

Coming in May!

Save Westside Housing!
Historia y tradiciones del

Westside barrio

Online Plática:

Check Esperanza Facebook |
www.esperanzacenter.org

Screens on KLRN Public Television - May 7th, 8pm. LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4

Documentary Feature Film with Director, Adán Medrano 11

Over time and during conquest, ‘comida casera,” home cooking of Texas Mexican families sustained indigenous identity and memory. Cooking deer,
cactus and tortillas, women led the cultural resistance against colonization. This road movie weaves through Texas cities, names the racism that erased

Native American history and celebrates a new type of encounter, one with a table where All are welcome.

Thank You Monthly Donors!

Acuña Sophia LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4 Gloria Jessie Orta-Puente Kristel Segura Susana
Aguilar Richard & Janet Goetz David & Philis Barragan Oviedo Margot Segura Lupe
Álvarez Lourdes Parra Codina Laura Silva-Murguia Eugenia & Carlos
Amberg Stephen Goetz Patel Geeta & Kath Weston
Anaya Frank & Estela Gómez Brenda Peña Rosalinda Murguia
Arevalo Mona Gómez Letitia Perretta Andrew Singler Roger
Arkles Gabriel González Eva Peterson Charles Smith Barbara
Atkins Carolyn González Micaela Phillips Betty Smith Ron
Barajas Teresa & Felipe Greimel Andrea Pitts Elizabeth Solis Joe
Bartholomew Lauren Guajardo Elena Plouf Paul Sotomayor Justin
Beddingfield Linda Guerra Donna Pope Ivonne Spener David & Marsha Krassner
Bonner Cindy Guerra Susan Porras Esmeralda Spielman Cynthia & Mark
Brinkley Michele Gutiérrez Gloria Ramírez Ana Lucia Steele James & Lety
Brown Ann & Jay Haney Pete Ramírez Cristina Stevens Lillian
Butler Bett & Joel Dilley Hernández Jose Manuel Ramírez Teófila Stevens Elaine
Cabral Antonio & Mary Herrera Araceli Reutzel Gretchen Stokes Dave & Karen
Camargo Dallana Horne Stewart Reyna Josephine Szunyog Cynthia
Campos Jesse & Joann Huerta Elisa Diana Rodríguez Beverly & Raymond Tafolla Carmen
Cantú Norma E. Ireland Jill Rodríguez Natalie Taylor Judine & Richard Pressman
Cásares Viola & Jessica Jennings Rachel Rodríguez Jose & Ron Soele Teneyuca Sharyll & Ray Soto
Cashin Lerma Judith Johnson Barbara Rojas Ricardo & Ximena Thompson Terris M.
Castillo Patricia Juárez Eduardo Rosales Rudy Timmons Ginny
Cavazos Irasema Kane Kathleen Saenz René Tobar Martha & Albert
Chadwick Jesse S. Keene Tom & Marilyn Said Sally Treviño Modesta & José
Chagoya Ari & Jennifer Casi Kitchen Jimmy Salcedo Bamby Valdez Amelia
Klink Donna Salcido Robert Valdivia Enrique
Alvarado Kuhns Nikki Saliba Imane Vásquez Marrisa
Chellet Magdalena & Maray Lafroscia Stephanie Sánchez Dee Vega Arturo & Sue
Llinas Patricia Sánchez Diana & Xavier Vidales Jesse
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Cordero Wilfredo Lusk Dee & Lynn Weiss Sánchez Mike Villarreal Raul
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Courtney James Sánchez Graciela & Amy Kastely Vineyard Shelly
Cuevas Teresa Castañeda Sánchez Leticia Wallace Anne
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Dennis Denise María Alejandro Yanez Rosario
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12 Garza María
Garza-Alvarado Frances Huntzinger

Recuerdos de Paseo por el Westside, which
Paseo por el commemorates National Historic
Westside Preservation Month, took place for the
first time on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at
Due to Covid-19, the Rinconcito de Esperanza located on
Paseo 2021 will be the corner of Colorado St. and Guadalupe
online in May. Check St. in the Westside of San Antonio. The
Esperanza FB: | www. event included walking tours of the
esperanzacenter.org Westside including the “pink building”
for complete program. on Guadalupe St. that was scheduled for
demolition and the fotobanners scattered
throughout. The cultural heritage of
the Westside was highlighted with an
exchange of plantitas with noted yerbero,
Jacinto Madrigal; a comida of old style
enchiladas; raspas scraped off of a block
of ice with natural fruit syrups; the
grinding of corn on metates; and the
washing of clothes on washboards y mas.
MujerArtes, Esperanza’s clay cooperative
was present and scribes brought back the
art of writing letters. Música with Eva
Ybarra, Rita Vidaurri and Los Músicos
livened up the backyard of the Casa de
Cuentos. The audience sat outdoors and
enjoyed El Pachuco telling jokes and
listened to 82 year old Doña Ester, an
original maromera of La Carpa García
sharing dichos, chistes and recuerdos.
A children’s section provided activities
for kids who ran freely in the ample
backyard. Twelve years later, we will be
celebrating online. ¡Qué cosas! Join us!

You cannot www.facebook.com/ LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4
change any society AAPIsforJusticeSanAntonio
unless you take
responsibility for Stand up against Asian American Pacific 13
it, unless you see Islander Hate in San Antonio, Texas, in
yourself as belonging the U.S. and in the world. Support and
to it and responsible protect AAPI communities everywhere.
for changing it. In San Antonio go to www.facebook.com/
AAPIsforJusticeSanAntonio to find out
-Grace Lee Boggs what you can do to help. Nationally, go
to stopaapihate.org to get involved and
informed. The Esperanza Peace and Justice
Center stands in solidarity with all AAPI
communities and against all forms of
racism and violence.

Walk the line? No, Thank You!

By Kayla Miranda appear to be neutral. Or do a play on

words hinting at something instead

When I write, usually the words fall of coming out with it. In the words

into place. Sure, I spend a lot of time of Voltaire, “ To learn who rules over

editing and rephrasing, but generally you, simply find out who you are not

the changes are simply cosmetic. I’m allowed to criticize.” So who rules

not trying to toot my own horn or the ones making the rules and why is

anything. I just spend a lot of time the truth a problem? 

in my head before I sit down to do As I’m typing this out, so many

the writing itself. I know what I’m emotions run through my mind. I

feeling and the message I want to get ask myself, why am I so triggered?

across. Last week when I started to I remember growing up being told

write a statement about what I now children are meant to be seen and

know as the birth of my advocacy not heard. I remember in High

career, I knew exactly what needed School when the teachers tried to

to be said. Since there is a 2 minute bend my will and spirit to what they

limit, it was very condensed and to considered to be right. I remember

the point. I turned in my statement when I was married, my husband

excited. I mean, it’s not everyday overriding my decisions and calling

that your work turns into a proposed me dramatic when I tried to express

bill in the state legislature. That day, how I felt. I remember how the

I spent the good part of the afternoon Housing Authority personnel used

listening to various bills go through to treat me. All of those things had

the Urban Affairs Committee of the one thing in common: I was robbed

Texas House. I actually enjoyed it of my voice. I was made to feel

and learned a lot. Then I heard them unimportant. Small. Wrong. Stu-

call “my bill”. No it’s not actually The Texas State Capitol located in Austin Texas, where Texas HB 2906, pid. Not good enough. Like what I
my bill, but it’s based on my experi- relating to the disposition of rental payments received by public housing thought and felt didn’t matter. I had
ence that not only led me to my authorities from tenants, was initiated. nothing to contribute. No say. I only

current calling, but led a community have one thing to say to that now:

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4 to action. In less than 5 minutes, committee representatives had NOT TODAY. I have a voice. I have a mind of my own. I am

moved on to the next bill. No public comments. No statement. No capable. I am strong. I am bold. I am courageous. I am intelligent.

progress. I was left not only confused and unsatisfied, but angry. I’m bigger and badder than Rocky Balboa and I DARE them to

What just happened? step in the intellectual ring with me. I will not apologize for the

For those of you that don’t have the time or capacity to sit experiences in my life. Or as Jon Stewart said, “ I will not censor

through government proceedings, let me just say, there is a whole myself to comfort your ignorance.” 

different language spoken there. One of the biggest reasons peo- I would like to share the statement that was supposed to be

ple don’t trust politicians is because what they say off the record read. This is a small part of my story. It’s not all the details, of

is not necessarily what they’re going to say on the record. Con- course there is so much more. But it gives an idea. 

versely, I’m the type of person that tells you like I see it. Not in “My name is Kayla Miranda. I am a public housing

a disrespectful way, just straight up. Sometimes I can get carried resident at the Alazan/Apache Courts in San Antonio. I am

away, I can be blunt and come off as rude. But that is never my in favor of HB 2906 because I have personal experience

intention. I am aware of this and do my best to be polite.. Having with eviction for non-payment of rent when I have, in fact,

said all this, government meetings take politeness to a whole new paid my rent. In 2018 a new property manager at the Alazans

level. Even the smallest thing is turned into a great achievement. began issuing numerous false lease violations and assessing

Hey, I did my job today. Gold star. Hey, I completed 10 percent outrageous fees to several residents. Fines as high as $3500

of my projected goal, yay me. I’ve never heard so much patting for unauthorized pets and high fees for routine maintenance

on the back and congratulating in my life. It reminds me of how in a place where the average weekly income is $150 or less.

we treat babies and toddlers when they do something right. We In 2019, a total of $1200 was added to my account.  Most of

clap and make a parade so they know it was good. But when it the fees were for a registered service dog. I had turned in all

comes time to talk about a difficult subject, how hard representa- required documents not once, but 3 times. I went through the

tives are willing to push tends to depend on the climate of the steps outlined in our lease to dispute the charges and was told

14 room. Therein lies the problem. Too many people are unwilling I would not be charged. Several months later I was served
to tell it like it is. They refuse to go on record. Everyone wants to an eviction notice for non payment of rent and evicted in JP

Notas Y Más Start your 2021
tax deductible gifts
May 2021
Give to the Esperanza in spirit of solidarity
Community meetings and art events are currently on hold due so we can continue to speak out, organize
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check websites, FB or call 210-228- and fight for our communities for another
0201 for virtual meetings and arts programming for each month. 30 Years. Your support is needed NOW more
www.esperanzacenter.org
than ever! Thank you for your gifts!
Exhibit Reopening 2021 Cultural Arts Center returns July Send donations to Esperanza

¡Printing the 8-11, 2021. The 42nd edition focuses Esperanza Peace
And Justice Center
Revolution! The Rise & on Chicano,Latinx & Native
922 San Pedro Avenue
Impact of Chicano American cinema, with an emphasis San Antonio, TX 78212

Graphics, 1965 to Now on Texas films. Depending on public To sign up as a monthly donor,
Call 210.228.0201 or
Smithsonian American Art Museum health guidelines the festival may be
Washington D.C. (8th & G Sts, NW) held in virtual format, or as a mix of email: [email protected]
virtual and live. For updates check
Virtual Conversation Series Visit www.esperanzacenter.org/donate
[email protected] or for online giving options.

An online series that examines call 210.271.3151. ¡Mil Gracias!

Chicanx graphics & its impact. Haymarket Books

May 13, 6:30pm - ¡Printing the stands in solidarity with

Revolution! Virtual Conversation all those resisting police

Topic: Creating in a Digital Sphere violence, mass

For info & tickets go to EventBrite: incarceration, and the racist carceral
bit.ly/printing-the-revolution system. Our Abolition Now!
Haymarket Books Against Policing
CineFestival 2021, the & Mass Incarceration reading list is
nation’s oldest Latino currently 30% off. Go to: www.
film festival sponsored haymarketbooks.org for a complete
by the Guadalupe listing of books.

court. My rent payments had been applied to these fines. I’m Public housing is made up of the poorest of the poor, LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4
the single mother of 4 children. One of my sons is autstic and including many elderly & disabled individuals and
has epilepsy. My other son was placed with me by CPS after several single mothers, all of which have the most to
his parents went to prison. I was doing all I could and had lose. When rent is paid, no loopholes should allow the
nowhere else to go. You can imagine the stress, pain and fear funds to be funneled elsewhere.  No family should lose
I was in, as well as the confusion. Why was this happening their home over a technicality. No person should lose
to me when I did everything I was supposed to? My then 14 their life to hopelessness. Thank you for your time.”
year old daughter attempted sucide. She is a bright, kind and
loving child who used to attend Saturday school voluntarily The Historic Westside Residents Association and Esperanza
to get extra tutoring. Currently at 16, she volunteers with food saved my life. They stood by me when no one else would. My
distribution in the community, takes all AP courses and wants neighbors and fellow residents would have been lost without
to be a Veterinarian. All while holding a part time job at Mc- them. I can never express the gratitude or respect I hold for the
Donald’s. So much potential and life, yet she was almost lost amazing individuals who fought by my side and are by my side
because she said she felt like a burden. She never should have still. Of course my situation has improved since then. I hope and
felt that way, but office personnel banging on your door is pray that it will continue to improve in the years to come. I work
hard to hide. NONE of this should ever had happened. Luckily hard. Hundreds of people have put time, effort, sweat, blood
I found help with my neighborhood association and Esperanza and tears into the community here on the Westside. The differ-
Peace & Justice Center who connected me with legal aid. I ence between us and them is they’re playing politics and we are
was able to appeal and keep my apartment. 6 months later my fighting for our lives. Don’t downplay our plight. We matter just
case was dismissed. During my ordeal, I engaged in com- as much as the suits you’re talking to. And no one tells our story
munity advocacy and found several other families were in the better than us.
same situation but unfortunately didn’t receive help in time or
simply left when they received notices to vacate because they 15Bio: Kayla Miranda, a housing justice advocate organizing in the
had no hope of paying these fees.
Westside of San Antonio, resides at the Alazán/Apache Courts.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • May 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 4

Noche Azul
en Casa Concert

In response to another complicated tax Sat. April 24 @ 8pm CT (English) Non-Profit Org.
year, the IRS has extended the deadline for Sun. April 25 @ 3pm CT (Spanish) US Postage
FaceBook.com/esperanzacenter PAID
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The City Of San Antonio
Saturday, May 1, 2021

General Election Day From 7am To 7pm
Vote For Mayor, City Council Representatives,
School Board and local issues. For A Complete
Guide From The League Of Women’s Voters:

bit.ly/lwv-2021-guide

Or Pickup Guides At The SA Public Library

Mexican Genealogy 101:

Finding Your Ancestor in S. Texas & Mexico

May 8, 2021 @ 11am

with Donna Guerra, professional certified archivist & co-curator of the Museo del Westside

Tune in via:
FaceBook.com/esperanzacenter
YouTube.com/esperanzacenter
Twitter.com/esperanzacenter

w Learn to use familysearch.org to find ancestors
w Learn to document the full names of ancestors 3

generations back & where they were born, lived & died

w Learn to read Mexican Spanish records & understand Pictured: Graciela Sánchez & her parents, Isabel & Enrique.
terms used in Mexican church records
Questions after the presentation encouraged!
w Learn to work out challenges in genealogy research