La Voz - Dec Jan 2020

Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10 San Antonio, Tejas

December 12th, Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe

When People Confuse
Guadalupe for Mother Mary

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10• La Voz de by Alicia Enciso Litschi
Esperanza
Sitting in front of a fire in the coolness of a desert night, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Mother
December 2020/January 2021 Mary settle into an all-night chat. There is so much to talk about—current events, past
Vol. 33 Issue 10 events, lovers, children, births, deaths, their travels and appearances, where they see it all
going. They also love to chuckle about one of Guadalupe’s pet peeves: people’s tendency to
Editor: Gloria A. Ramírez mistake her for Mother Mary.
Design: Elizandro Carrington
Cover Art: La Virgen de Guadalupe Guadalupe insists there’s no good excuse for the mix-up. She’s everywhere. Sure Mary’s
got her statues, candles, medals, and occasional billboard. But Guadalupe, she looks back
by Liliana Wilson at you from murals, mosaics, shopping bags, produce displays at the grocery store, tortilla
warmers, keychains, aprons, and bandanas. She’s on the sides of mountains and on the feath-
Contributors ered headdresses of brown-skinned warriors who dance her prayers into the dirt with their
blood, sweat, and feet. She even enjoys a good pun and hitches a ride on bumper stickers
Antonio C. Cabral, Norma E. Cantú, like “In Guad We Trust.” How could people not know who she is?
Susan Morales Guerra, Alicia Enciso Litschi,
With a glint in her eyes, Guadalupe complains to Mary: “You’d think they’d get my
Kayla Miranda, Julio Noboa Polanco, name right, but it happens without fail. Someone comes along, sees me, points: ‘Oh look,
Ana María Wilson, there’s Mother Mary.’”

La Voz Mail Collective Guadalupe stomps her foot and waves a finger like any good Mexican mother.
“Mother Mary que la nada! Si aquí estoy practicamente con la penca en la frente! Do I
The Collective is sheltering at home due to the look like I’m from Nazareth?”
COVID-19 pandemic but will be returning when Mary rolls her eyes. “Yes, you do! You’re as brown as the dirt on my feet.”
Guadalupe continues her case. “In fact, I think they should call me by my real names!
their health and safety can be assured. Extra My most treasured titles. Juicy titles. Tonantzin. Coatlicue. Tlazoteotl. Mother of All the
funds are being raised to pay for folding La Voz Gods. Mother of the Near and Far. Why settle for the name the Spaniards pinned on me?
Even that was a case of mistaken identity. Guadalupe was really la otra morena de Ex-
each month during this time. tremadura…” She trails off into her history lesson and Mary chuckles.
“Right, because the humans can’t wait to see the forms you take with those names.
Esperanza Director Rattlesnake-skirt with skull breastplate and talons for feet. It takes a while to even identify
where your face is on that statue of yours. You’re too primordial. Older than dirt. They can’t
Graciela I. Sánchez take it!”
Egging her on, Mary adds: “No wonder some of them space out into wishful thinking
Esperanza Staff and call you Mother Mary. My name is simple, not too many syllables, and only two col-
ors—blue and white.”
Elizandro Carrington, Kayla Miranda, Guadalupe throws up her arms dramatically, her eyes dancing. “Too primordial, tu
Paul Plouf, Kristel Orta-Puente, Madre! Mírate al espejo!Estás mas vieja que la chingada.”
Natalie Rodríguez, She points to Mary, who has cast off her cloak at some point during Guadalupe’s speech.
Imgard Akinyi Rop, René Saenz, She is now stark naked, reclining against one of the boulders, picking at her teeth with a
Susana Segura, Amelia Valdez twig. Her form is no longer easily recognizable as human. Cow horns protrude from her
head and her torso is covered in breasts that may more accurately be the domes of a bumble-
Conjunto de Nepantleras bee nest. Her legs are furry, and a bright green serpent slithers around her belly.
—Esperanza Board of Directors— Guadalupe throws off her cloak too. They fall into gales of laughter, the kind only very

Richard Aguilar, Norma Cantú, Yasmina Codina, Continued on Page 4
Brent Floyd, Rachel Jennings, Amy Kastely,
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necessarily those of the Esperanza Center. homophobia, classism, violence, earth-damage, speciesism and cultural and political oppression. We are
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Los Matachines

a centuries-old
folk Catholic dance tradition

by Norma E. Cantú

On December 11, all over tionately called. Also gathered

Mexico and Greater Mexico at the grounds of the shrine are

(what Don Américo Paredes hundreds of matachin and other

called wherever Mexican origin danzante groups that have come

people live), we remember and in procession to honor and cel-

celebrate the apparitions of ebrate her.

our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan In San Antonio, also on

Diego, a nahua Indian man, in December 11, on the grounds

1531 on the hill of Tepeyac in of San Fernando Cathedral as

what is now Mexico City. The well as in various parishes, we

matachines who pay tribute to can see the matachines show

“la morenita” as she is affec- their devotion and uphold a

tionately called, follow a cen- tradition that has been here for

turies-old folk Catholic dance at least 200 years. Richly at- LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10•

tradition. They participate in tired, the matachines dance for

processions, attend masses, la Virgen. Most troupes dance la

pray rosaries, and of course, novena, dancing for 9 days prior

dance in honor of Our Lady to December 11, and some la

of Guadalupe. In locations as docenaria, that is they begin the

diverse as Chicago, New York daily dance on December 1 and

City, Manassas Virginia, Kan- In San Antonio, also on December 11, the matachines show their culminate on an all-night vigil
sas City, and of course all over devotion and uphold a 200 year old tradition. or at least hours-long dancing on

the southwest the members of the 11th.

matachin dance troupes gather dressed in ceremonial garb The indigenous peoples of the Americas held ritual

that includes a naguilla, a vest, and sometimes feathered dance events to honor deities and significant events.

headdress. One theory holds that the Tlaxcalteca people that came

I have attended matachin celebrations in Bernalillo, with the Spanish and criollos to what is now Tamauli-

New Mexico, in the Tucson Yaqui Pueblo, and the Vir- pas, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila and Texas

gen de Guadalupe celebration in the Kansas City area brought the matachin tradition with

where I documented ten different matachin groups that them. The music, dance steps, and

hailed from Texas as well as various Mexican states musical instruments used for the

like Zacatecas, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Michoacán. celebration point to a syncretic

Most of my work has centered on the Matachines de la blending of indigenous and Span-

Santa Cruz in Laredo, Texas. In northern Mexico and ish elements to create the core sones,

Texas we find los matachines “de la flecha” who carry or tunes. For the matachines de la

a stylized bow and arrow and a maraca, a rattle. On flecha and de la palma, the one

December 11, we can watch ceremonies from Mexico essential musical instrument, the

City’s basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe as a number drum, keeps the rhythm and plays a

of celebrities pay homage to Our Lady as she is affec- key role in the event, while in the New 3

Mexico Pueblo Cruz recently received a
National Heritage Award
tradition as well as from the National Endow-
ment for the Arts.
in the Arizona Yaqui
The group traces its
tradition, the vio- origins to the 1800s to a
mining area in Central
lin serves the same Mexico, and then to Las
Minas along the US-
function. Mexico border, before
establishing the tradition
Dancers join in Laredo in the early 20th
century.
a matachin dance
Bio: Norma E. Cantú is
troupe for a number Murchison Professor in
the Humanities at Trinity
of reasons, such as University, San Antonio,
Texas. A prolific writer,
to pay back a vow activist and researcher of
Mexican American folk
or a promesa, as life and literature, she is
also on the Esperanza’s
thanksgiving for a Conjunto de Nepantleras.

favor granted, such Note: See back page for
details on a livestream
as health, or even to discussion on Dec. 12th of
the Matachines-facilitated
have paid off a mort- by Dr. Norma Cantú.

gage. The majority

of dancers belong

to families whose

members have been

dancing for decades;

the tradition has

passed from parent

to child for gen-

erations. That is the

case with the Ortiz

family in Laredo,

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10• Texas whose Mata-

chines de la Santa Los Matachines de la Santa Cruz de la Ladrillera of Laredo, TX recently received a National
Heritage Award from the National Endowment of the Arts.

When People Confuse “May they feel the warmth of our arms as close as their very
Continued from Page 2 heartbeat.”

old women can get away with—knee-slapping howls and a few “May they allow us to hold them and carry them through the
squirts of piss because why keep it in? They double over, tears changes to come.”
streaming down their mysterious faces. They shake and dance.
They howl and whistle. In the moonlight it becomes more evi- “We are here. What need could there be for fear?”
dent just how old they are. The mountains tremble a little with They reach the place on the path where their courses diverge.
all the commotion. Too much fun can set off earthquakes. The They slide into their cloaks and drape their veils over their heads,
two give each other knowing looks and begin to quiet down. restoring their youthful appearances.
It’s just easier that way for
In the chill of the night, they curl up with one another until now.
it is impossible to know where one begins and the other ends.
They watch the fire until it recedes into a faint glow. At dawn, Bio: Alicia Enciso Litschi, Ph.D.
the sky grows pink, and they disentangle themselves from each offers psychotherapy in Austin,
other. They dust off their cloaks and veils. TX. Alicia works from a mind-
body-soul approach, providing
They set out on the path back to civilization, and Mary an integrative and intuitive per-
becomes wistful. “I do wish they’d give me more color and spective on the healing process.
personality. At the very least restore me to my brown skin.”
Editor’s note: This issue of
Guadalupe squeezes her hand. “You know I’m not really of-
fended that they call me by your name, right? I’m just glad they La Voz is dedicated to the Feast
call me by whatever name they need me to be.”
Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
They nod in unison.
whom we call on to bless our com- Fire Side by James Roderick
4 “May they shelter in our cloaks.”
munity in these trying times.

COVID 2020

Por Ana María Wilson

Editor’s Note: The following is a COVID story relating the video conferencia, por su celular, para poder tener algún contacto

angst that a family in Chile experienced upon finding that their el- con ella. La imagen de ella en su cama fue devastadora, estaba

derly mother who continued to live at home alone with help from at- conectada con oxígeno, suero y un tratamiento con inyecciones

tendants had contracted COVID. She goes through a 2-week ordeal y remedios. Parecía que estaba en otro mundo, muy cansada,

confined in the hospital unable to be with family. dormida y sin reaccionar a su entorno, tratando de responder al

Recibí el llamado de la Cuidadora que esa noche había quedado reconocer el sonido de mi voz. Saque fotos con mi celular para
después compartirlo con mis hermanos
a cargo de mi mamá, Adriana Grez, en su
que viven en Estados Unidos. Ellos tam-
departamento. Advertí gran nerviosismo
bién se angustiaron y la idea de la muerte,
en su voz...dijo, —Su mamá está mal, no
de su partida, se instaló entre nosotros.
sé qué más hacer pues no responde.
Fue un tiempo de reflexión para
Salí rápidamente con toda la imple-
todos sus hijos pues nos conectamos a
mentación para combatir la Pandemia de
pesar de la distancia y el fantasma de la
Covid que ya se había desatado en nuestra
muerte comenzó a acercarse a nosotros.
ciudad ,…Guantes …Mascarilla…
Compartimos recuerdos, desde la ima-
Camine por la avenida, desierta, y subí
gen de nuestra Madre quien se casó a los
hasta llegar al departamento. Mi madre
16 años comenzando, desde ese momen-
estaba sentada, la cabeza caída y no
to, una relación con la Maternidad que
reaccionó a mis palabras. Eché su cabeza
daría sus frutos a través de 6 hijos. Re-
hacia atrás pero no respondió. Le avisé
cordamos sus progresos, sus desvelos y LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10•
a mi hermano pues debíamos llevarla al
la durezas de la vida que debió afrontar
hospital para lo cual llamé al Servicio de
cuando nuestro Padre falleció a sus 46
Emergencias quienes llegaron pronta-
años y ella sólo con 36, quedando viuda
mente y después de un acucioso examen
con 5 hijos. Cómo, durante años, hizo su
el médico decretó su traslado inmediato al
mayor esfuerzo hasta sacarnos adelante
Hospital Gustavo Fricke, en Viña del Mar.
a todos con las pocas herramientas con
Seguimos a la ambulancia al hospi-
las cuales ella contaba, cosa que sin
tal, en ese lugar comenzaría una inter-
duda logró plenamente.
nación de 15 días en los cuales no la Mi madre estaba sentada, la cabeza caída... Ese día iniciamos cadenas de oración
podríamos ver.
con familiares y amigos pidiendo por ella y por su recuperación,
Esperamos todo el día fuera de la Sala de Emergencia pues
noche tras a noche
dentro estaban los pacientes en espera de atención con sínto-
Todos los día llamábamos con mi hermano al hospital turnán-
mas claros de Covid—toses, ojos afiebrados, escalofríos—por
donos para saber de su estadoy así fueron transcurriendo los días,
esa razón nos mantuvimos lejos del sector para evitar riesgos
las semanas…hasta llegar al día 14. Esa mañana recibí el llamado
innecesarios ya que nosotros con 70 y 69 años respectivamente
de la Dra a cargo de mi mamá y se me apretó el corazón. Ella
estábamos catalogados como parte de la población en riesgo.
me dijo, —Su Madre salió de su gravedad, mañana se cumplen
Alrededor de las 19 hrs salió un paramédico para informarnos
14 días y ella está mucho mejor y estamos evaluando darle el
que nuestra madre había sido internada en el pabellón de los
Alta por lo cual les pedimos que nos indiquen la dirección para
enfermos con Covid y que no podríamos verla en los días de
trasladarla al domicilio donde ella continuará su recuperación.
internación. Nos fuimos a nuestras casas con el teléfono donde
Con mi hermano no podíamos creerlo, avisamos prontamente
nos informarían de su estado diariamente pues no tendría visitas y
a nuestros hermanos y comenzamos a buscar un lugar donde
permanecería aislada.
El panorama era desolador pues ella con 87 años y con varias poder llevarla. No podíamos volver con ella al departamento
puesno teníamos a nadie que pudiese atenderla ya que la cui-
enfermedades de base, según nos informaron los médicos, no
tenía mayores posibilidades de sobrevivir a una situación como dadora titular, Sra Anita , había sido quien la contagió y estaba
grave en otro hospital de su ciudad y la segunda cuidadora, que
esta. Los días transcurrían lentamente y sólo a través del lla-
era reemplazante, Nilda, estaba cuidando a otro paciente. Por
mado telefónico diario sabíamos que estaba grave pero estable.
otra parte ese Viernes, día en que la darían de alta, se iniciaba en
Al tercer día una de las enfermeras al entender nuestra angustia
de no saber realmente de su estado nos hizo la primera de varias 5nuestra ciudad la cuarentena, por lo que estaríamos en nuestras

casas cuidándonos de cualquier contagio. ñana fuimos a Quilpué a la residencia El Retiro. Allí nos recibió
Mi hermano inicio la búsqueda frenética de un lugar donde la dueña y con ella pudimos arreglar el ingreso. Llamamos al hos-
pital avisando la dirección del lugar y quedaron de comunicarnos
llevarla donde estuviese bien atendida ya que nosotros también la hora del traslado. Fuimos al departamento de nuestra madre
en tercera edad no podíamos arriesgarnos a contraer la enferme- para arreglar sus cosas y con mucha pena armamos la maleta.
dad y además ella debía recibir atención especializada. Esa tarde
de Jueves no nos detuvimos recorriendo diferentes lugares pero Desde ese lugar dimos la noticia a nuestros hermanos y de
todos estaban cerrado por la Pandemia y no podían recibir a una a poco nos fuimos animando, sabiendo que ella quedaría en
persona, como nuestra Madre, saliendo de un hospital después de un lugar donde estaría atendida las 24 hrs y podría iniciar su
haber tenido Covid. recuperación. Esperamos varias horas hasta que a las 18.30 hrs
recibimos el llamado desde el hospital avisándonos que partía la
Amaneció ese día Viernes con la incertidumbre en nuestros ambulancia con nuestra Madre. Rápidamente tomamos nuestro
corazones. De pronto apareció una luz cuando la dueña de una vehículo y partimos con mi hermano directo a Quilpué. Al llegar
casa de Reposo para Tercera Edad dio una respuesta positiva, ella ya había sido ingresada y ya en su habitación, tranquila,
podía recibir a nuestra Madre pues tenía una pieza de aislamiento adaptándose a un nuevo lugar que la acogía con todos los medios
para poder realizar en ese lugar su internación. A las 10 de la ma- de atención que ella requería. Agradecimos a la directora a quien
le entregamos su equipaje sabiendo que en ese lugar estaría por
un largo tiempo.

Regresamos a Viña del Mar, con mucha pena, pero respirando
aliviados de poder dejarla en el mejor lugar que encontramos para
ella. A las 21.00 hrs nos separamos con mi hermano y cada uno
pudo iniciar la cuarentena total, la cual se prolongaría por varios
meses.

Esta experiencia de Vida nos ha hecho entender que el último
logro de nuestra Madre en esta Vida, en su familia, ha sido lograr
mantenernos unidos y preocupados como hermanos, los unos de
los otros.

En el plano personal y a pesar de todos los pronósticos médi-
cos, nuestra Madre, a sus 87 años, logró vencer el Covid.

Bio: Ana María Wilson is a retired Spanish teacher in Viña del
Mar, Chile. Artist, Liliana Wilson, is her sister.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10• Nuestra madre salió de su gravedad y logró vencer el Covid.

Guadalupe Berta Flores 1921-2020

Berta Flores was born March 16, 1921 Berta was much loved by the Buena gente of the Esperanza, her

on Torreon St., right by the Alazan- family and friends. Condolences to all who have been part of

Apache Courts. She attended J.T. her life. Que en paz descanses, Bertita. Berta Flores, presente!

Brackenridge Elementary on Guada-

lupe St. and graduated from Lanier

High School in 1940 where she led

an active life in sports, dancing, the

Berta’s faced graced the ROTC and in the band. She joined the
cover of the book, Still Here.
Navy WAVES, returning to San Antonio

shortly after the war ended. Berta loved

to dance and recounts her dancing days in the book, Still Here.

In her elder years, Berta became active with the Esperanza’s

Corazones, elders who recounted stories of life in the Westside

growing up. Berta’s vintage photos also appear on the banners

of the Fotohistorias exhibit on Westside streets. She wound up

marrying someone who did not dance, Filbert Díaz Flores, and

had two children she adored along with her grandchildren and

6 great-grandchildren. A loving and giving person all of her life, Berta with her daughter, Helen Flores Maldonado.

The importance of educating yourself

you get what you put in

by Kayla Miranda

As I sat in front of my computer 18 years ago, I could feel the 42 speakers, 29 were part of our efforts to preserve the Alazan/

frustration radiating off my dad before he even came into the Apache courts. The other 13? A few misinformed residents and

room. He sat on the edge of my bed, silent. I knew. He had lost several people who had something to gain from the razing of

his grievance. He works for the U.S. Postal Service and had just Alazan Courts. When speaking to some of these pro-demolition

been elected union stew- residents, I learned that

ard at his station. It was the vice-president of

his first step B meeting. the Resident Council at

He was cocky, so sure the Alazans had gone

of himself and the fact in search of residents to

that he was in the right speak prior to the meet-

when he left that morn- ing, just as I had. How-

ing. I bought into it too; I ever, her recruitment

never believed he would efforts were fueled by the

fail. “What happened?” I lies SAHA had fed her in

asked. He told me how he order to get residents to

went in and sat down with speak on SAHA’s behalf.

his manager. The manager I am unsure if she knows

had smiled. In less than these are lies, or simply

three minutes, my father doesn’t care. What I am

was leaving that office, sure of is that it’s the LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10•

head hanging low in same bogus claims used at

shame. “My boss told me properties that previously

not to speak until I knew We will not go quietly into the night. We will fight. We will speak. We will be heard. have faced demolition,
what I was talking about.” with disastrous results.

He admitted quietly. In the weeks that followed, I remember my Resident statements have the most impact. It’s one thing to hear a

dad pouring over the contract, memorizing each part and going story second hand, something completely different to hear a story

through other grievances to find precedence. My father never lost from the source. The emotional exchange that happens is irre-

another grievance. His manager unknowingly unleashed a beast. placeable. In collaboration with My City is My Home, we have

My start in the housing world draws many parallels. I would started a youtube series called “Exposed: SAHA for Profit”. We

have been perfectly happy to be left alone in my ignorance to get have broken down recorded public comments and included ad-

my life together in peace. But that wasn’t what fate had in store ditional information to better explain the comments. As Benjamin

for me. After being harassed and unjustly evicted, my landlords Franklin said, “Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being

unleashed something in me as well. I am my father’s daughter. unwilling to learn.” You can view these videos at facebook.com/

It’s something I tell the people I come in contact with. The great- mibarrionosevende.

est gift you can give yourself is knowledge. Know what you’re Dr. Christine Drennon was hired to do an impact study with

talking about when you go into a situation. Research for your- the residents of Wheatley Courts when they were demolished.

self. Do not depend on what you hear from others. Be your own Her report shows that the majority of residents were negatively

advocate. impacted by the move. At the November 2020 SAHA meeting,

she called the demolition of Public Housing in exchange for

The greatest gift you can give yourself is knowledge. mixed income communities a “fatally flawed ideology”. Instead,
she suggested maintaining and preserving Public Housing. SAHA

Know what you’re talking about when you go into a Commissioner Olga Kauffman also worked with Wheatley resi-
situation. Research for yourself. Do not depend on dents as a caseworker. According to an interview with the Heron,
Kauffman says “Some of them ended up . . . in a lot of really bad

what you hear from others. Be your own advocate. places, like Haven For Hope or in jail and their kids dropping
out of school.” Former San Juan resident Crystal Meza remem-

In October of this year, I organized a public comment at bers when she received housing. “They told me not to even
the regular SAHA Board of Commissioners meeting. Out of
7unpack, they were tearing down and I had to move again.” She

was relocated to nearby Cassiano Homes during the construc- demolition and six commenters in support of demolition. Of

tion of Gardens at the San Juan and San Juan I&II. In early 2015, those six, only two were residents. These numbers are shocking

Crystal called for the hundredth time inquiring about returning to in comparison to other monthly board meetings for SAHA, but

San Juan, and finally got her brand new apartment. “If I hadn’t surprisingly enough, that wasn’t what had westside defenders

called over and over, I wouldn’t have gotten it. ‘’ Her relief was talking for days to follow. Before the meeting started on Zoom,

short-lived at this brand new, bigger apartment. The neighbors participants could hear Commissioner Jo-Anne Kaplan complain-

were not SAHA residents. They complained about her kids, who ing, “They’re all going to say the same thing, can’t we just group

are disabled. There was no place for them to play. Crystal’s truck them together and have only one person speak?”. SAHA attorney

was towed from a handicapped parking space even though she replied saying that this request was illegal. Chair Guzman then

had a placecard. She decided to limit our usu-

was in danger of losing al 3 minute comments

her housing because of to just 90 seconds,

repeated lease violations “unless you really have

stemming from neigh- something important

bor complaints. She to say”. Her behavior

again called the office paired with this an-

constantly, requesting a nouncement is a testa-

transfer, and was fortu- ment to the treatment

nate enough to receive of both residents and

one. This time to a scat- community members by

tered site. A house where SAHA on a regular ba-

her kids could play and sis. Chair Guzman told

their disabilities would commenters that they

not bother anyone. Now, were “misinformed”.

after 3 years, her home The San Antonio Housing Authority plans to demolish 501 public housing units, over multiple years, and She interrupted speak-
is being sold by SAHA replace them with a new mixed-income development. Photo: Ben Olivo, San Antonio Heron, Sept. 24, 2020
because they claim the ers, including a Spanish

speaking community

upkeep is too expensive. “I do most of my own maintenance. member, which forced him to pause while she and others argued

I’ve only called in a few work orders in 3 years. I am responsible about the need for translation, all as his timer steadily counted

for the bills and the lawncare. SAHA doesn’t pay property taxes. down. She paused comment to demand that speakers watch a

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10• So what upkeep are they referring to?” Again, she finds herself presentation by SAHA, claiming the community had already

looking for an appropriate home. This time on section 8. Except been informed. Later Commissioner Jessica Weaver, co-chair,

now, there are even fewer houses available and she is at risk of stated that not even the board had seen some of the information

complaints + violations if she returns to a mixed-income apart- included. Following the Public Comment section, Chair Guzman

ment with neighbors so close. called item 12 first. We watched a presentation containing false

In the days following October public comment, SAHA information that was given to residents. Meanwhile, Commis-

responded to our call with a slap in the face. They announced a sioners asked questions and seemed to be in doubt, staff would

virtual groundbreaking of Legacy at Alazan, an 88-unit mixed- interrupt, attempting to prove Chair Guzman’s point. This only

income complex being constructed across the street from Rincon- shows SAHA’s utter lack of respect. They have no plan. Their

cito de Esperanza. It’s 3 and 4 story levels go against the commu- only objective is to destroy Public Housing in the Westside in

nity plan for the area. When confronted by the Historic Westside an attempt to make a profit. The final show of contempt towards

Residents Association (HWRA), SAHA Commission Chair, Dr. residents was when Chair Guzman muted Commissioner Ruth

“Cha” Guzman claimed to want the community’s input, yet she Rodriguez mid-sentence when she disagreed with her. Commis-

voted ‘yes’ to the construction as is a week later. To add insult to sioner Rodriguez is one of only two resident commissioners on

injury, SAHA announced the creation of a Dia De Los Muertos the board. The meeting recording is available through a freedom

Altar to celebrate the ground breaking. A long standing tradi- of information request to SAHA. We ask that readers keep an eye

tion in the community. I worked with community members, on the “Exposed: SAHA for Profit” series. We will have a video

residents, and allies to arrange a protest of this event. On No- posted in December 2020. It’s a good thing, I feel, that facts do

vember 2nd, 30 people stood at the site of Legacy in solidarity. not cease to exist just because they are ignored or denied.

“WHOSE STREETS?” I called. “OUR STREETS” they replied.

Community leaders like Leticia Sanchez and Teri Castillo from I want to challenge everyone reading this to lift up
HWRA spoke about the impact on the community and the need to

preserve Public Housing. Pancho Valdez of San Antonio Tenants your head, see through the illusion. Do not let anoth-
Union and Kimiya Factory, a Black Lives Matter activist, stood er person take away your rights, your culture, your
with us in support. Several news stations and reporters recorded

as we showed the city that we will not go quietly into the night. hopes and dreams. Don’t fall for the sleight of hand.
We will fight. We will speak. We will be heard.

Just three days after this protest, supporters for preservation Earlier this year, I was invited to a show called Paranormal
Cirque. The only seats we could afford were the “economy” seats
8 of the Alazan/Apache Courts called in by the dozens to the No-
vember 5th public comment. There were 47 commenters against

at the very back of large U-shaped bleachers. My seat was the The truth is that a large majority of people in San Antonio

end seat, top row. I realized that I would be watching the backs do not know how to spot the lies wrapped up with a nice bow on

of the performers the entire night and that I could see backstage. top. A good rule to follow is if it sounds too good to be true, it

The “premium” high priced tickets were in front of the stage, and probably is. It’s not the only rule though. I like to follow the rule

that was the focus of performers. I watched “magic” tricks from of —you get what you put in. When you put in the time and effort

behind, seeing every sleight of hand, every false bottom, watch- to research a subject before listening to a presentation or having

ing the woman remove a conversation about it,

a panel and walk across there is a greater chance

to the next booth. There you can defend your per-

were oohh’s and aahh’s spective and detect mis-

from those who paid represented facts. When

higher prices. I just kept you arm yourself with

thinking, ‘what a waste knowledge, you’re better

of money’. That is what able to make informed

happens in life. Those decisions based on that

of us who are lower information. When it’s

incomes can see back- something as important

stage. We see the illu- as where you and your

sions that are being laid children live, there is no

for the higher income greater need for informed

individuals. We wonder decisions. In the words of

why they are falling for Dr. Martin Luther King,

the tricks. Unfortunately, Jr. “ Nothing in the world

this is how the major- is more dangerous than

ity of shady business The HIstoric Westside Residents Association (HWRA) protests the virtual groundbreaking of the Legacy sincere ignorance and
deals get past the general at Alazán, an 88-unit mixed-income complex being constructed across the Rinconcito de Esperanza. conscientious stupidity.”

public. Many people are SAHA is banking on our

content with what they are told, what sounds pretty. Others bow community being ignorant. It’s my pleasure to educate as many

to fear tactics and live their lives head down. I want to chal- people as possible.

lenge everyone reading this to lift up your head, see through the Bio: Kayla Miranda, a housing justice advocate organizing in LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10•
illusion. Do not let another person take away your rights, your the Westside of San Antonio resides at the Alazan/Apache Courts.
culture, your hopes and dreams. Don’t fall for the sleight of hand.

S.T. Shimi

Beloved artist, and hooping. Her 9
activist and educator, S.T. performances were a wonder
Shimi died tragically on Wednes- to behold! Shimi was a a defender
day, December 2, 2020 after being of LGBTQ rights, an environmental
struck by an SUV on the streets justice advocate, a fierce feminist
of San Antonio. She was 49 years and a champion of social justice. Her
old. Shimi was often seen walking introduction to the San Antonio stage
briskly in the Southtown area where came by way of Jump-Start Perfor-
she lived with her beloved, artist mance Co. and she remained close
husband, Oscar Alvarado. News of to company members. Her untimely
her death spread quickly throughout death is a blow to us all. There was
the arts world of San Antonio and so much more ahead for her that was
beyond. Shimi, whose stage name Photo: Oscar Alvarado not to be. Her memory will burn
was Black Orchid, performed with San Antonio’s Stars bright in our hearts. A native of Singapore, Shimi’s
and Garters burlesque troupe. She was skilled at danc- given name was Thanalakshmi Subramaniam. May she
ing incorporating pole dancing, fire-eating, aerial silks rest in power! ¡S.T. Shimi, presente!

Re-envisioning UTSA’s Downtown Expansion for
the Westside’s Community Benefit

by Susan Morales Guerra, author and facilitator

The Esperanza hosted an on-line platica; Re-envisioning UTSA Downtown Expansion for Community
Benefit on October 22, 2020 which presented some historical and current issues, gave voice to some
important stakeholders and lifted some possibilities to meet the pressures facing community life due
to UTSAs expansion plans. The establishment of a coalition to make a Community Benefits Agreement
(CBA)1 was one of the possibilities talked about in order to achieve a long term, holistic and whole-heart-
ed development plan for the westside neighborhoods affected by the expansion.

1. A community benefits agreement is a contract between a developer and neighborhood residents and/or community stakeholders
that requires the developer to provide specific amenities to the local community or neighborhood. In exchange, the community stake-
holders agree to support (or at least not oppose) the project. (bit.ly/comm-benefits)

The invited panelists were:

Jerry González Executive Director of the Westside Community Judit Vega
director of UTSA Mexico Center, and Assoc. Partnerships Initiative, Westside resident. EPJC staff
Professor of History, UTSA. Moderator posing the questions on: The
Linda Ortega proposed UTSA downtown expansion
Vanessa Sandoval community activist with the Westside Neigh- and how it may impact neighborhoods in
UTSA student in Mexican- American studies borhood Assoc., and part of the Mi Barrio No regards to gentrification, displacement of
and Anthropology , westside resident. Se Vende community group. families, and erasure of cultural, historic and
living culture of westside neighborhoods
Dr. Roger Enriquez Lisbeth Parra surrounding the university campus.
Assoc. Professor in the UTSA College for staff attorney at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
Health, Community & Policy; Director of Works with housing law, eastside resident.
Policy Studies Center, Assoc. Professor & soon

The opening questions were: LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10• How to move from incremental efforts for change
to transformational?
• What can we (as community) envision for a different kind
According to Dr. Enriquez, anchor institutions in a coalition are
of relationship that we can have with large institutions? needed to create a long term, holistic and whole-hearted plan in or-
der to transform the westside from other major city, county and state
• What is the responsibility of UTSA to low income neigh- institutions, like the University Hospital, HEB, City of SA, Bexar
County as anchor institutions together with UTSA and community
borhoods; how can the community benefit? residents and their organizations if there is going to be a real impact.

Panelists pointed out that from its establishment in 1968/69 and Lisbeth Parra, described briefly what the Community Benefit
again the establishment of the downtown campus in 1999, the Agreement is—a negotiation between developers and residents
presence of UTSA did not meet the expectations of grassroots and local businesses who agree on certain benefits from the
groups who had worked for accessible higher education for a developers to the neighborhood. The intention is to give mutual
broader sector of low income residents in San Antonio. support. Neighborhood groups, civil organizations, churches, so-
cial agencies, etc. negotiate towards a legally binding list of mu-
As Dr. Roger Enriquez pointed out—this discrepancy creates tual benefits and are held accountable to follow through by law.
challenges to this day and must be spoken and acknowledged in There is always room for updates on changes and adjustments.
order to begin the work of envisioning together with community
today. The present situation with the expansion plans is an inflec- Already there were issues mentioned as possible benefits at
tion point to build and establish trust with the community. this plática which might be worked into a CBA, such as build-
ing trust between policing authorities and the black and brown
Some efforts which have the potential to establish trusting communities in the neighborhoods, particularly those who suffer
relationships are being initiated. There are opportunities through with mental health issues, creating regulations for how develop-
the collaborative efforts of the Westside Partnership Inititave ment increases property taxes, agreements to support how local
(WPI) and the Texas Housers and with the Mexican American businesses can thrive, establish new programs geared for ad-
Unity Council regarding title remediation and property tax prob- vancement opportunities for non-academic training positions in
lems. These efforts aim to avoid displacement of families due order for students to qualify for better paying jobs; also “stepping
to technical and economic issues and to build upon the factors stone” programs from early education towards higher education
which already exist in the neighborhoods. UTSA has also been with supportive learning programs and early exposure to entre-
sending students of architecture/construction to do outreach in the preneurial skills neighborhood youth will need for the future and
westside neighborhoods to assess conditions of shot gun houses,

10 as culturally valuable architecture with a potential to serve as af-
fordable housing alternatives. And the WPI wants to do more.

Frio St. Building, UTSA Downtown Campus. tivities organized in part by UTSA, for example, can intentionally LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10•
contribute to a bridging of lower to higher educational activities,
the types of technical jobs available now. Also on the table are and broaden the extent of a community profile for UTSA and its
ways to integrate food security initiatives—land, learning, earn- organizations on campus.
ing; as well as affordable housing for students—to name a few
things that could be a part of a CBA. UTSA, and other large institutions, have to want /
“tener ganas” to see themselves successful at becom-
The looming question is how to organize for such a long term ing part of a community and not just placed within in
coalition among anchor institutions and community residents and a community.
small businesses and organizations and who is the right stake-
holder to initiate and coordinate this? Crossing bridges and holistic planning.

In such a coalition, the big anchor institutions have more The Esperanza Peace & Justice Center with some of the UTSA
power than residents and small businesses so I see the biggest faculty and students and the residents present in the panel are
challenge is to formulate a specific enough intention, and vision, ready to take a lead for change for a sustainable and people-cen-
which aim is to empower community voices. Community needs tered future for the westside, starting with looking at the possi-
to be acknowledged as important and to be respected. bilities which arise from the UTSA expansion plans.

There are research findings from all over the globe which show Engaging residents and youth is a big job which can only be
that the type of information often missing but truly needed for accomplished through shared vison, clear intention and working
change, lies within the dialogues and conversations in communities coordination and facilitation by a team of people who are able
with the institutional stakeholders using methods and structures in and willing to do this job. Long term investment in a community
which all voices are included and respected. Real transitions require is more sustainable than short term profit over people results.
the exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences from equitable
multi-stakeholders in collaborative teams (bit.ly/arena-drift). Displacement pressures are looming large over residents and
businesses and a moral obligation perhaps is overlooked or even
Team organization and structures must preferably be consistent missing from those who today exercise their power allowing for
with the vision and intention of the work. Inclusive participation near free reins for commercial developer’s needs. But the com-
requires participatory formats for alternative dialogue, and asking munity has needs which they define themselves and these must be
open questions which invite conversations rather than debates and an essential part of the bargaining table. Community input should
polemics. These methods promote lending equal power to differ- naturally be an indicator for what makes a socially sustainable
ent perspectives. Also, attention must be given to how to analyze policy for the UTSA expansion plan from here on out.
and evaluate the outcomes from community talks. An understand-
ing of consensus is helpful to how the team reaches conclusions. Working with community, not for community.

When it comes to the UTSA extension plans, this will already Lisbeth Parra also mentioned that there is opportunity now for San
have consequences for the small businesses, the social fiber of Antonio’s westside residents and community to be pro-active by
the neighborhood, technical infrastructures, family economy, the becoming involved now on this issue of the UTSA expansion plan.
need for better sidewalks for children to get to school and needed
attention for providing plans for culture, housing, public and rec- It is my experience with community involvement in local area
reational life and neighborliness. It is the residents and businesses planning that this is a good opportunity for residents and other
who know “how the shoe fits”. This is worth listening to. non-professionals to learn by doing; to understand the intricacies
of planning and the enormous impact commercial development
If this is not done, then what’s at stake is people’s individual has on inner city neighborhoods. As several panelists mentioned,
and community well-being. What is “well-being” is, should be todays community people are standing on the shoulders of the
defined by stakeholders from the area, provided with the addi- older generation of community builders om the west side. We
tional information needed as to how economic development may can now set the bar for new higher thresholds for working for the
not always carry the promise of a beneficial social development changes which these times call for.
for adults, youth and children of the neighborhood. Many people
may want to move out but just as many may want to and need to Dr. Enriquez stated that The Westside Partnership Initiative is
stay, and feel at home in their renovated neighborhood. ready to make applied efforts to follow up the issues of discontent
and disaccord from all previous studies of what impact economic
A people-over-profits vision is possible to be woven into a development is doing to inner city neighborhoods, displacing the
Community Benefits Agreement to integrate these types of educa- residents and dissolving the historical roots of the development of
tional and social benefits. Initiatives such as these and cultural ac- San Antonio. These things are complex. This requires larger ho-
listic coalitions, major stakeholders, anchor institutions; together,
to really transform the Westside, working with one another, and
holding the community stakeholders positioned as equal partners.

The richness of San Antonio’s Westside life must not become
an anecdote in the history of the city. That is not what Mexican-
American people deserve, because we are still here.

Bio: Susan Morales Guerra; co-founder of the EPJC and pres-

ently working with the EPJC as facilitator for a team working on

a grassroots, people-centered Equitable Community Plan for the

Historic Westside, funded in part by NALCAB. 11

Art in Austin Aztlan Libre Press BrieBlue.Com Con Cariño Mexican Folk Art

Echale books Faith and Fashion Feverdance Jewelry & Apothecary Flaming Artistry

Gina Lee’s Creations Helen’s Hidden Treasures In The Weeds Natural Skin Care Katrina Gorman Designs

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10• La Crafty Vida Libélula Leather Liliana Wilson Art Luna Xanat

Mary Agnes Rodriguez Metztli Prints Mija folk art MujerArtes Cooperativa

Patricia Castillo Pearl Sanchez Studios Tejas Folk Arts Xelena González

Peace Market 2020 is online virtually!

Find some of your favorite Mercado de paz vendors

Shop now for holiday gifts!

12

@ www.esperanzacenter.org/peacemarket

What was Missing in Hamilton

by Julio Noboa Polanco

It is nearly impossible to ignore or escape all the hype and history, rather than their own.

hyperbole surrounding the undeniable masterpiece of song, This was not a play about Toussaint L’Ouverture, who

music and narrative that is the historic Broadway extravaganza, liberated Haiti from the mighty French empire and established

Hamilton. the first independent republic in the Americas; nor was it

Never have I seen it live about Patrice Lumumba of the

as have many of my family Congo, a visionary revolution-

and friends and hope to do ary dedicated to his nation’s

so one day, but the following independence from Belgium

critique has little to do with who was assassinated with the

the artistic, aesthetic or emo- collaboration of our CIA.

tional power generated from In fact, there is not one

a live performance. It has significant Black character in

rather to do with the narra- the entire musical when there

tive itself, who tells the story, could have been at least one

and what is missing from this worthy of inclusion. This was

retelling of the people and about White males, mostly

events related to the Ameri- slave holders who were part of

can Revolution. a landed gentry, an elite who

There is no need for me nevertheless had legitimate is-

to heap more praise on Ham- sues against the British Empire

ilton beyond what the critics, and who were justified in seek-

the 11 Tony Awards, and ing their independence.

an adoring audience have

already given this outstand- But this is not Black histo-

ing labor of artistic love by ry, it is White history that LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10•

Lin-Manuel Miranda which Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind the Broadway extravaganza, Hamilton. is being retold, recast, and

raises him to the status of re-packaged for a wider

genius in the eyes of many. and more racially diverse audience.

Having experienced his previous Broadway hit, In the

Heights with the original cast on tour impressed me deeply The second issue is that few have pointed out the obvious 13
and served to boost my often-beleaguered Puerto Rican pride. irony that a Puerto Rican, whose very homeland has for a cen-
Being Boricua, I felt that all the praise and adulation Miranda tury and until the present day been an exploited colony of the
received for Hamilton reflected on me as well, similar to the American Empire, is creating a musical masterpiece not about
pride I feel for having Sonia Sotomayor adjudicating on the his own nation’s struggle for independence and the outstanding
Supreme Court and AOC speaking truth to power. men and women who championed it, no less admirable then
Alexander Hamilton.
Having seen the movie version of Hamilton I clearly
understand beyond the aesthetic achievement of this musi- Instead it is about the independence struggle of that very
cal, and the quality of the performers, but also the power of same Empire that is still dominating his own homeland! This
an historical narrative focusing on an islander, an outsider, irony cannot be ignored or overlooked by Boricuas who know
a rebel and a driven man such as was Alexander Hamilton the history of their beloved island nation and their long struggle
and is Lin-Manuel. for independence first from the Spanish Empire and then from
the most powerful nation on Earth today.
I was moved by the performances, and the incredible vari-
ety of musical styles, all done in an appropriate storyline and Finally, and most importantly, is the enormous gap in the
setting. But after reflecting on the entire Hamilton experience narrative telling of the American history that totally ignores
Three Fundamental Issues came to mind beyond the purely and makes invisible the essential contribution Hispanics made
aesthetic aspects. to the eventual success of the American Revolution. That this
historical gap went unnoticed by the critics and commentators
First of all, many are commenting on the fact that it is only reinforces how significant was this historical erasure and
Black performers playing and singing the role of George the incredible lost importunity by Lin-Manuel.
Washington and Aaron Burr among other White historical
figures and how impactful that is for Black and urban audi- What was not included in the array of persons and events
ences to experience. However, I have a problem with Black depicted in Hamilton is the fact that many Latin Americans, un-
der the leadership of Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez,
performers playing and glorifying White men and White

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10• fought and sacrificed their lives supporting the cause of There is, in fact, a Texas city named after Gálvez,
American independence. Just imagine the impact that very namely Galveston on the coast near Houston. There are also
fact would have on the prejudiced views many Americans have a number of monuments in his honor, among others, an eques-
of Latinos and even how Latinos view themselves within the trian statue of him adjacent to the New Orleans World Trade
context of an American history whose textbook and cinematic Center and a Galvez Plaza next to Baton Rouge City Hall in the
retelling always left them out! state capital of Louisiana.
Certain historical facts about the significance of that
Hispanic contribution to the American Revolution need to be All this raises the question as to why Lin-Manuel and his
considered and disseminated, among them are that: historical consultants were ignorant of this Spanish general and
his contributions; and if they knew of his very existence, why
1. Gálvez’s victorious campaigns against the British in the was he left out of the narrative?
Gulf of Mexico were pivotal and significant to the success
of the American Revolution. These campaigns prevented Short of featuring Gálvez as a major figure in the Hamilton
the British from opening up a southern front against the narrative as he should have been, it would have sufficed, to at
American revolutionaries who were in no position to effec- least have had one musical number honoring his contribution,
tively combat the British on two fronts. and that of the Latino soldiers who made his victories possible.

2. The men who fought in his campaigns included a wide In conclusion, I view Hamilton as an artistic masterpiece,
variety of races and ethnic groups prominently among them very much like the iconic painting, The Creation of Adam by
were Mexicans, Puerto Ricans and Cubans who risked and Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It depicts a
sacrificed their lives in support of the American Revolution. White Male God on a cloud extending his finger to touch that
of Adam, another White Male who is supposedly the father of
3. George Washington himself recognized the undeniable humanity. As much as I admire the masterful art of the painter
contribution of General Gálvez, who was one of the most and beauty of the painting, I totally reject the narrative de-
prominent international figures in attendance at his own piction of the Great Spirit as a White male god as much as I
presidential inauguration. disagree with the depiction of our human ancestors as European
when we know they were Black Africans!
So why is this not in the public-school history books, nor
even mentioned in all the innumerable films and novels about In much the same way, I recognize, value and enjoy the
the American Revolution? So, why didn’t Lin-Manuel know aesthetic masterpiece than is Hamilton, while rejecting the
this, include this, or have any of his historical consultants messages broadcast by its distorted and incomplete telling of
inform him? American revolutionary history.

Bio: Julio Noboa Polanco, former member of the Esperanza
board, is a retired freelance writer living in Costa Rica with his
wife, Elsa, also a former Esperanza boardmember.

What was not included in the array of persons and events depicted in Hamilton is the fact that
many Latin Americans, under the leadership of Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez, fought
and sacrificed their lives supporting the cause of American independence.

General Bernardo de Gálvez

For more information about General Bernardo de Gálvez, his life and times and
accomplishments:
Barbara A. Mitchell. America’s Spanish Savior: Bernardo de Gálvez via
HistoryNet:
bit.ly/spanish-savior

José Calvo Poyato. Bernardo de Gálvez: el español que salvó a Estados Unidos
via La Vanguardia:
bit.ly/galvez-el-espanol

Wikipedia: Bernardo de Gálvez

14 bit.ly/wiki-galvez

Notas Y Más Community meetings and art events are currently on hold
due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check websites, FB or call
Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 for virtual meetings and arts programming each month.
www.esperanzacenter.org

CFAEMSDEPECARCIAGLN

Give to the Esperanza
Peace & Justice Center
at your workplace, today!

Use the appropriate code:

Centro Cultural Aztlan’s Poder de Mujer City of San Antonio: 8022
annual Celebración a la Bexar County: 8022
Virgen de Guadalupe Exhibit A Guided Tour and Plática on the Exhibit: City/County I.S.D.s: 8022
on display til Jan. 8. Women and Activism in the Westside online State of Texas Employee
Call 210-432-1896 to Charitable Campaign: 413013
schedule a gallery visit @ See our plática about the Museo del Westside and
1800 Fredericksburg Rd. its inaugural online exhibit “Women and Activism Todos Somos Esperanza!
For virtual exhibit visit in the Westside." The exhibit tells a more inclusive
www.centroaztlan.org, story of women who marched, boycotted and For info:
FaceBook or YouTube rallied for social change.
call 210.228.0201
View the Women & Activism in the Westside exhibit now! or email esperanza@
www.museodelwestside.org/women-activism esperanzacenter.org

Father Peter Hinde LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10•

With much sadness I’m letting you Both fought many social justice battles here and every-

know that Father Peter Hinde was where they went including several trips to Central Ameri-

taken by the virus this morning in El ca. They stood proudly and bravely against the infamous

Paso. He had been fighting U.S. School of the Americas (SOA) in Fort Benning,

COVID for the past three GA, where the U.S. army to this day trains assassins

weeks but finally lost that from armies throughout the world. They trained the

battle at 97 years of age. His ones who on March 24, 1980, killed Archbishop Oscar

name was James Hinde but Romero and on November 16, 1989, killed six Jesuit priests,

his religious name was Peter their assistant and her daughter in San Salvador.

Hinde died from complica- and that’s how most people knew Mary and I will always remember with much love and re-
tions due to COVID-19, Nov. him. spect James (Peter) Hinde as a unique and caring human who
19, 2020 at the age of 97. was always a warrior for the world’s downtrodden.
Credit: Julie Bourbon/ He and Mercy Sister Betty Camp-
Courtesy Sisters of Mercy bell operated the Casa Tabor (Tabor Please pass this information to others who knew Peter and
of the Americas. House) on Buena Vista Street, San An- Betty when they lived in San Antonio.

tonio, before moving to Casa Tavor in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Peace.
They lived in Juarez for over 20 years working in one of the Antonio C. Cabral
most impoverished (and dangerous) colonias. Betty will
continue to live there. The Esperanza staff, conjunto and Buena Gente

Mary and I used to visit them on Buena Vista St and join in expressing our sorrow upon hearing the passing of Father
Peter Hinde who resided in San Antonio running Tabor House in
had long conversations always about the oppressed and the the early days of Esperanza. He and Betty were recently honored 15
people’s resistance. They always welcomed with a pot of beans for their decades of ministry in Latin America with the CRISPAZ
and rice anyone who stopped by. They had a vegetable garden Peace Award. Our condolences to Betty Campbell who faithfully
in the back where they grew some of their food. They contin- worked alongside Peter and to the great community of peace-
ued that admirable task in Ciudad Juárez. makers that Peter was part of. May he rest in power. Peter Hinde,

siempre presente!

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA •Dec 2020 | Jan 2021 Vol. 33 Issue 10•

Esperanza’s Tiendita is online Noche Azul

www.tiendita.esperanzacenter.org in Casa Sessions

Check
www.esperanzacenter.org
Textiles, jewelry, clay art, and FaceBook/
indigenous clothing, vintage esperanzacenter
for Upcoming Concerts
goods y más!

Los Matachines Esperanza Peace & Justice Center Non-Profit Org.
De La Santa Cruz 922 San Pedro San Antonio TX 78212 US Postage
210.228.0201 • www.esperanzacenter.org PAID

San Antonio, TX
Permit #332

Haven’t opened La Voz in a while? Prefer to read it online? Wrong address?
TO CANCEL A SUBSCRIPTION EMAIL [email protected] CALL: 210.228.0201

possibly
matachines

A community discussion on the folk tradition
Danza de Matachines! It is over 200 years old,
brought over from Spain and is still practiced
in Mexico and Texas. Facilitated by Dr. Norma
Cantú and familiy members.

Saturday Dec. 12, 2020 • 6pm

LIVESTREAM FaceBook.com/EsperanzaCenter

www.esperanzacenter.org/peacemarket