La Voz - June 2021

June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5 San Antonio, Tejas

“Unity & Pride” by Peter F. Ortiz Jr.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5 La Voz de Montopolis, a part of Austin, Texas always
Esperanza had a special place in my heart. As a child, I
always looked forward to going to Montopolis
June 2021 and crossing that wonderful bridge. It was
Vol. 34 Issue 5 as though we were going to another town. I
did not know it was a part of Austin. In fact,
Editor: Gloria A. Ramírez it was established in 1830, incorporated nine
Design Elizandro Carrington years before Austin. It was the “city on the
Editorial Assistance: Liliana Wilson hill” that historically served as a refuge for in-
digenous people, black people and Mexicans,
Contributors some being immigrants from Mexico.

Rebecca Flores, Michael D. Knox, Rev. Phillip We would drive to Montopolis on some
G. Ley, Peter F. Ortiz Jr., Yoania Sundays to visit my mother’s brother, Tío
Pete and his wife, Tía María. My Dad had siblings there, too—his sisters, Marcela and
La Voz Mail Collective Nacha and their husbands, Tío Pete (yes, I had at least 3 Tío Petes) and Tío Felix. Tío
Pete and Tía María’s family were active with Dolores Catholic Church and we would
The Collective is sheltering at home due to the often attend functions there. They lived on Porter St. My other aunts and uncles lived in
COVID-19 pandemic but will be returning when some tiny houses (shotgun houses) on the outskirts of the city that had orange asphalt
siding with a brick design. This cluster of small houses was always fun to pass by be-
their health and safety can be assured. Extra cause we could point them out and say that’s where Tía Margie lives, or Tía Nancy.
funds are being raised to pay for folding La Voz
Montopolis and the Dolores Parish had a profound impact on my Uncle Pete’s family.
each month during this time. They were very involved with the parish priest, Father Underwood, a social justice advo-
cate who made Austin step up and provide for this community of color. My aunt darned
Esperanza Director his holy socks and pressed his clothes. The impact he had on my Uncle Pete’s family was
so profound that one of my cousins wound up becoming a nun, a Sister of the Sacred
Graciela I. Sánchez Heart of Jesus in San Antonio, where she is now a retired Catholic school administrator.

Esperanza Staff I also remember the Fiesta Drive-In that was there and run by our relatives. We could
go to the movies, a carload at a time, with our family of seven getting in for a couple of
Elizandro Carrington, Kayla Miranda, dollars. We enjoyed the movies in Spanish and the food and drinks in trays anchored to
Paul Plouf, Kristel Orta-Puente, our car doors. It was almost a monthly ritual.

Natalie Rodríguez, Imgard Akinyi Rop, Montopolis was not annexed until the 1950s by the City of Austin which was very
René Saenz, Susana Segura, slow in providing city services or bus transportation. Father Underwood worked for
Amelia Valdez, Rosa Vega many years to bring services to Montopolis and to finally build a community center there
that recently has been renewed. The mural on the new Montopolis Community Center by
Conjunto de Nepantleras Peter F. Ortiz, a resident of Montopolis, is featured on this month’s cover of La Voz.
—Esperanza Board of Directors—
Montopolis is now the darling of neighborhoods in Austin and threatened by gentrifi-
Richard Aguilar, Norma Cantú, Yasmina Codina, cation with tiny houses going for more than $350,000. The Montopolis Bridge has been
Brent Floyd, Rachel Jennings, Amy Kastely, transformed into a hike and bike trail (of course!) and I now get lost going to Montopolis
Angie Merla, Jan Olsen, Ana Lucía Ramírez, amid the mish mash of circling highways. Still, I have fond memories of Montopolis.
Gloria A. Ramírez, Rudy Rosales,
Lilliana Saldaña, Nadine Saliba, As part of the celebration of LGBTQ pride in June, this issue of La Voz features two
Graciela I. Sánchez, Lillian Stevens LGBTQ artists, Peter F. Ortiz, Jr. of Montopolis and internationally renown photogra-
pher, Laura Aguilar (deceased), a friend of the Esperanza’s. Look for Juneteenth celebra-
• We advocate for a wide variety of social, tions in your community this month and learn more about our true American history.
economic & environmental justice issues. And, don’t forget to Vote!

• Opinions expressed in La Voz are not —Gloria A. Ramirez, editor of La Voz de Esperanza
necessarily those of the Esperanza Center.
ATTENTION VOZ READERS: If you have a mailing address correction please send it to lavoz@
La Voz de Esperanza esperanzacenter.org. If you want to be removed from the La Voz mailing list, for whatever reason, please let us
is a publication of know. La Voz is provided as a courtesy to people on the mailing list of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center.
The subscription rate is $35 per year ($100 for institutions). The cost of producing and mailing La Voz has
Esperanza Peace & Justice Center substantially increased and we need your help to keep it afloat. To help, send in your subscriptions, sign up as a
922 San Pedro, San Antonio, monthly donor, or send in a donation to the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. Thank you. -GAR
TX 78212
210.228.0201 VOZ VISION STATEMENT: La Voz de Esperanza speaks for many individual, progressive voices who are
www.esperanzacenter.org gente-based, multi-visioned and milagro-bound. We are diverse survivors of materialism, racism, misogyny,
Inquiries/Articles can be sent to: homophobia, classism, violence, earth-damage, speciesism and cultural and political oppression. We are
[email protected] recapturing the powers of alliance, activism and healthy conflict in order to achieve interdependent economic/
spiritual healing and fuerza. La Voz is a resource for peace, justice, and human rights, providing a forum for
Articles due by the 8th of each month criticism, information, education, humor and other creative works. La Voz provokes bold actions in response
to local and global problems, with the knowledge that the many risks we take for the earth, our body, and the
Policy Statements dignity of all people will result in profound change for the seven generations to come.

* We ask that articles be visionary, progressive,
instructive & thoughtful. Submissions must be
literate & critical; not sexist, racist, homophobic,
violent, or oppressive & may be edited for length.
* All letters in response to Esperanza activities

or articles in La Voz will be considered for

2 publication. Letters with intent to slander
individuals or groups will not be published.

Does Your Rent Or Property Tax
Increase Every Year?

Tax breaks for developers are partly to blame.

By Rebecca Flores borhood who worry about rising property taxes? Everybody in
this city and in the state knows we have a deeply unfair system
Did you know that 5 San Antonio City Council members who are based on steep property taxes. We have good reason to be con-
on the board of the Public Facility Corporation (PFC) having ab- cerned about what the Lone Star Brewery development means for
solute and final voting power, give developers MILLIONS of $$ our ability to stay in our homes, as renters and homeowners.
in property tax exemptions? (Note: The PFC is just one of many
city committees that giveaway our property taxes to developers.) Still, the city fails to provide for affordable housing for the
low-income workers it always promotes to attract businesses. Of
They do this in the name of “affordable” housing, BUT of the 301 apartments that will be built at the Lone Star Brewery,
3,406 apartments built from 2015 to 2020 under this giveaway 256 will be for residents earning up to 80% of the AMI, which
program, only 69 were affordable for families earning up to is $41,550 (or $20/hr) for a 1 person household. Minimum wage
$39,000 a year—or $20/hr—the rest are for people earning is $7.25 an hour, or $15,080 per year, before taxes. Where is the
$57,000/year or more! Our minimum wage is $7.25/hr or $15,080 housing for these workers? The city continues to give money
per year.1 away to developers, making them richer, and ekes out money
sparingly to those who need it the most.  
And, none of these buildings pay property taxes! For ex-
ample: The Baldwin located on Center St. east of I-37, is valued To learn more contact: [email protected]
at over $37 million, their estimated property taxes are over $1
million, but they pay $0 in taxes with their exemptions.1 Footnotes

Recently, reports indicate that Lone Star Brewery that is being 1. Public Facility Corporation and the Section 303.042(f) Tax

developed by Grey Street Partners and Midway were recently Break for Apartment Developments. A boon for affordable

granted $24 million in tax breaks for 15 years by another City housing or Windfall for Apartment Developers?” A report by

Tax Giveaway committee. District 5 City Council member Shir- UT School of Law, Entrepreneurship and Community Devel-

ley Gonzales said: “I know the community is really looking for- opment Clinic. Heather K. Way, Clinic Director

ward to it.” Judge Wolff has “no patience for sniping about the 2. SA Express News article, May 5, 2021. “Lone Star makeover
spillover effects of big, successful developments like the Pearl.” to cost $709 million, start this year” p. B1
The Judge wants to replicate the Pearl’s “success” at the Lone

Star Brewery on the south side. Wolff added: “Their property BIO: Rebecca Flores, former vice president of the United Farm- LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5
values have gone up a lot more than their taxes”.2 workers, is a lifelong labor activist from Texas who lives and
works in San Antonio.
Has either Gonzales or Wolff talked to people in this neigh-

Who Benefits?  THE DEVELOPERS. 

Companies like Grey Street Partners, and Midway.
NRP, based in Cleveland, Ohio, pioneered these
exemptions, but many more are eager to join them.
NRP has received most of these giveaways.

Who loses?  ALL OF US.  3

• Renters looking for affordable housing.  
• Homeowners with rising property taxes.  
• University Health System. 
• Alamo Colleges.
• Bexar County and the City of San Antonio

and School districts.  
At the current rate, San Antonio schools will lose
$$millions PER YEAR in the future.
The majority of these developments are in the San
Antonio Independent School District.

Photo: mapio.net

Unity and Pride

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5 By Peter F. Ortiz, Jr. When creating my art I try to use
emotions to carry my story. I rarely use
EDITOR’S NOTE: Artist, Peter F. Ortiz, Jr.,was born and raised in modern elements in order to keep my
Montopolis and has exhibited his work throughout the U.S., Mexico works timeless—not dating them with
and Italy. His mural “Unity and Pride” featured in this month’s La period references. I use not-so-ordinary colors creating faces or
Voz de Esperanza is located on the western wall of the new Mon- figures in the hope of focusing on the soul of the image and not the
topolis Recreation Center. It honors the diverse roots of his home race. Vibrant colors give a sense of joy. In this mural I introduced
community. Peter tells Voz readers about his mural: American sign language with images at the bottom. On the left say-
ing “Home” and on the right, “Family”. These two words were the
“Unity and Pride” is an art project commissioned through The City most frequently used in response to the questionnaire. By introduc-
of Austin’s Arts In Public Places for the Montopolis Recreational ing sign language into my painting I added a new dimension to my
and Community Center. It is one of 5 art pieces by different artists playing off of movement.
commissioned. It measures 13’ x 16.5’ painted on six 1/8” alumi-
num panels. Four measure 4’ x 8’3” and two measure 5’ x 8’3”. The Being raised in Montopolis in a family of 11 who moved here
panels are primed with acrylic, top coated with an isolation coat and in 1958 before my birth in 1960, with my grandparents next door,
topped with a protective UVL varnish. and uncles and cousins following us here as well, has a very special
place in my heart. Cities are geographically identified as north,
Montopolis has a rich history existing before the City of Austin south, east and west. Austin has all four sections, but Montopolis
was established. It was not annexed fully by Austin until the 1970’s. residents have a sense of self and community within a city.
It is south east of the city. Some of us would say, we are east of east.
This barrio was once dubbed “Poverty Island”. Growing up it was In the mural there is a grouping of three people praying that re-
predominantly latino and black. It was separated by the Colorado flects the many churches that have been part of this community. The
river—an undeveloped stretch of land, unlit, with a two-lane road indigenous figure (originally of the Tonkowda tribe) gives tribute to
called Riverside Dr. running east to west. The idea of the com- the native Americans who inhabited this area. The people building
missioned works was to reflect this special community thru the a structure is in reference to the many homes built here in a number
artist’s eyes with the input of stake holders. My approach to getting of ways that reflected the owners’ working trades. People walking
inspiration was a questionnaire I used asking residents, ex-residents, the road carrying products reflect the small neighborhood markets,
business owners and others, “ In one word how would you describe children playing ball symbolize the community center and children
Montopolis and how it make you feel or what does it mean to you?” holding each other is the sense of victory in creating unity.

The descriptive responses included the words: home, family, The bluebonnets are symbolic for the sea of bluebonnets
tranquilo, community, blessed, rooted, cultura, united, understand- that still bloom around the historic Montopolis School for Negro
ing, different Children, that is in the process of being preserved as an historic site
and diverse.
My mural,
For my “Unity and
creation I Pride” is
tried to emu- simply one
late these artist’s effort
words and to portray
reflect mem- Montopolis
ories only as the diverse
long term and historic
residents place within
could recall: a place that
the horses is—truly
which graced unique.
our fields,
cornfields farmers worked in Pictured at top left: Nuestra Señora de los Dolores
and that we played in which Catholic Church built in 1952 when it was at the edge
for some of us butted up to our of Montopolis.
back yards; the grand oak tree
which divided our main road Top right: The Montopolis Bridge that connected
coming off of the Montopolis Montopolis to the City of Austin across the Colorado
bridge which is largest present River is now used by bicycles and pedestrians. It was
day landmark; and the migration added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

4 flight of the Monarchs that still Below: The historic Montopolis School for Negro
pass thru. Children, a Jim Crow-era school at 500 Montopolis
Dr., operated from 1935 to 1962. It is one of the last
surviving structures among 42 rural schools that
Travis County operated for black children when Austin
schools refused to enroll them. Community folk saved
it from demolition and are moving to preserve it as a
historic structure and museum.

“The Seeds We Sow” LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5

Creating this painting is symbolic for what I believe is love’s history 5
within a family structure. In my experience of a family—it is a founda-
tion of two parents, others many have one—both with strong convic-
tion to provide and nourish. Represented in this portrayal is my father
the strength of a base who laid the foundation of our home. The tree
is the growth of achievement rooted to the base of what we are today.
The female figure is the maternal part of this family structure, giving
as well as nourishing the family—building a home—giving of herself
and protecting us. Symbolically, she takes a branch from the foundation

Felicidades to Peter’s father, Peter

to build a nest/home for the offspring. The offspring are the seeds that Ortiz, Sr. on Father’s Day.
were planted and nourished from her bosom with love until sprouted.

Imagine a
Culture of Peace:

the U.S. is a War Culture, But that Can Change

by Michael D. Knox for CounterPunch

War is glorified in the United States. Imagine a change in our great military.” Patriotic ceremonies and public recognitions of

culture so momentous that Americans who stand for peace are the military are so commonplace that few Americans even think

celebrated rather than denounced as unpatriotic, anti-military, or about, much less question, them.

un-American. Imagine a world in which expressing an antiwar Does this mean that these politicians truly care about military

position is an aspiration our children are encouraged to respect, veterans, about their health and welfare, not only on the battle-

admire, and emulate rather than to be sneered at—as if the field but at home as well? Or, are they merely reinforcing the

notion was some outmoded ’60s hippie ethic. Imagine a world war culture that supports militarism and the industries that profit

where children develop and embody a strong commitment to from war and fund their political campaigns? Or, are they just

nonviolence that continues throughout their lives. Imagine a making an empty gesture because such reflexive “patriotic” ac-

world where military, police, and personal brutality and aggres- colades have come to be expected in our culture? In other words,

sion are deemed unacceptable, except perhaps in situations of do politicians single out and praise the military simply because it

true defense where no other method has succeeded. Imagine… is expected and ingrained as part of our American culture?

In September 2020, The Atlantic reported that, during a visit

Questioning to France, then President Trump referred to Americans who died

Often when we attend public events in our communities, there is in war as “losers” and “suckers.” Trump, who prided himself on
saying things without concern for political correctness, has repeat-
an effort to recognize and thank those who currently work in the edly disparaged the military in many private conversations. Yet in
military, as well as military veterans. This is a crucial element
public statements, he echoed the sentiments of past presidents.
to reinforcing a culture of war. When young people attend such When citizens and politicians feel compelled to honor sol-
events, it sends a clear message that military “service” is one
diers, they are much less likely to criticize the war. The commonly
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5 of the most valuable and respected occupations a person can accepted cultural imperatives that “you earn the peace by winning
choose. Just by joining the armed forces, one is automatically the war” and that “war brings peace” help to maintain militarism.
bestowed with a position of respect and honor no matter who
To change our deep-rooted culture of war to a culture of
they are or what they have—or have not—done. peace, we must begin to question the individuals and organiza-
Many elected government officials cite their military back-
tions we choose to applaud and praise. One might ask, “Why
ground in campaign literature and in speeches—not only as a don’t we recognize teachers, healthcare providers, parents,
point of pride, but as a qualification for holding a leadership po-
grandparents, volunteers, farmers, trades and salespeople,
sition. Their offices are often decorated with plaques, certificates, government employees, and the other essential workers?” After
photos, challenge coins, and awards that are shrines to celebrate all, they make important and indispensable contributions to our
the military and their devotion to it. Male political candidates for community. Instead, expressions of public praise are reserved
high office who are not war veterans often have to defend their for soldiers, military veterans, and occasionally semi-militarized
patriotism and provide a rationale for why they did not “serve”
“first responders”—police and paramedics, and fire department
in the military, the implication being that one cannot be seen as personnel who “fight” fires.
sufficiently patriotic without a military record.
Throughout American history, countless citizens have spoken
When politicians of any level or stripe address a public out against war. What if we flipped the playbook in public set-
gathering, they often ask people in uniform and military veterans
tings and asked all people who have worked for peace to stand
to stand and be recognized. They will point at them and say and be recognized? What if we referred to them as heroes for
something like, “You are true American heroes. You are the best their courage and bravery, and then everyone in the audience
this country has to offer. Thank you for your service.” Joe Biden applauded to thank them for their service? What if we dared to
ended his inauguration address, presidential victory speech, and stand up and speak out for peace in the same settings where the
his Democratic National Convention nomination acceptance
military is acknowledged—on Independence Day, Armistice
speech with the words “And may God protect our troops.” Day, Memorial Day, and at halftime at the Super Bowl—even if

6 Donald Trump usually ended his speeches with “God bless our it is not on the official agenda?

Speaking Out Cultures Can Change

One reason peace advocacy is marginalized, and why the U.S. American culture and behavior toward others have changed in

wages so many wars, is that few citizens today speak out pub- our lifetime. When I was growing up in the 1960s, very few

licly against warfare. Most Americans remain silent while our people could imagine that we would see significant, measur-

military wounds and kills innocent civilians in impoverished able changes regarding a variety of civil rights issues including

countries that have never invaded or threatened to invade the race, gender, and LGBTQA+. If we can make progress in other

U.S. or its allies, and don’t have the cultural areas, we can move toward a

resources to do so. culture of peace. It’s a matter of educat-

In a representative government ing our young people, developing role

such as ours where members of the models, and reinforcing antiwar behavior

House of Representatives seek election so that our nation will no longer tolerate

every two years, voters have enormous starting wars or interfering to destabilize

and potentially transformative power. the governments of other countries.

But, citizens must recognize and use There are many examples of positive

their authority or it will be usurped by behavioral cultural change that have oc-

corporations and special interests with curred over just a few decades; altera-

deep pockets. Candidates running for tions of human activities that have saved

elective offices would be responsive to countless lives. Disease prevention comes

widespread antiwar sentiment because immediately to mind, especially for those

it would influence the election results. who lived through the HIV pandemic at

Imagine the impact if just 1 percent of a time when effective medical treatments

the population—more than three mil- were not available. For many, the adop-

lion people—marched together in an tion of condoms replaced the practice of

antiwar rally. What might happen if 1 unprotected sex. Also, consider the rapid

percent of voters contacted their repre- reduction in stigmatization of marijuana

sentatives in Congress and demanded and its widespread legal use in recent

an end to the current wars? years. Cultural norms can change—radi-

In order to establish a culture of cally and with surprising speed.

peace, we need to change the current Do you remember a time when most

culture of war. Social barriers must be Endgin U.S. Wars by Honoring Americans Who Work for Americans smoked tobacco? Or, not so
removed so that citizens do not fear re- Peace by Michael D. Knox, Ph.D long ago, when possession of a single

prisals for speaking out. A first step in this process is to recognize, marijuana joint was a criminal offense? Another example: when

honor, and document the work of Americans who have demon- I was a young driver, cars didn’t have seat belts. When they first LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5

strated the courage to speak out against war and work for peace. were made available in the late 1950s, most Americans, includ-

In addition to being role models and encouraging others, some of ing me, didn’t use them. When my children were in preschool

these leaders and activists may choose to run for office and help and elementary school they were educated about the importance

further our playbook for cultural change. of wearing a seat belt, and whenever I drove them, they would

We have courageous Americans to look to for examples, insist loudly that I stop the car and put on my seat belt. Essen-

such as US Peace Prize recipient the Honorable Col. (Ret.) tially, the education of young people influenced my adult human

Ann Wright who, after twenty-nine years in the U.S. Army and behavior, and my habit was changed.

Army Reserves and another sixteen as a diplomat with the U.S. The education of children has had a positive cultural impact,

State Department, resigned in protest on the eve of the invasion as have criticizing bullying, promoting civil rights, and exploring

of Iraq. She is now a tireless and fearless advocate for peace family planning options. Young people should be taught that they

throughout the world, from Cuba to Gaza to Korea to Standing can determine the kind of world they want. They need to learn

Rock. Ann Wright is but one example of someone worth honor- critical thinking skills and be encouraged to question the norm.

ing and holding up as a role model. We need to educate all of our children about proven means of

Consider CODEPINK: Women For Peace, founded in 2002 establishing cultures of peace and the importance of speaking out

by Medea Benjamin, Jodie Evans, and other activists. It has be- against cultures that promote violence and domination—not only

come one of the most innovative, effective, and visible antiwar by telling or “teaching” them, but by being examples for them.

organizations this country has known. Members wearing the Hopefully post-coronavirus America will see handshaking

group’s signature pink color can be seen at rallies and engaging disappear as a social custom. This is a custom that dates back to

in civil disobedience, putting their lives in danger to call atten- antiquity and that originally signified the lack of a weapon. Even

tion to U.S. militarism, aggression, and inhumanity, but always before COVID-19, this ritual was a leading mode of transmitting

with an emphasis on joy and humor. CODEPINK was the US

Peace Prize recipient in 2014. Continued on Page 11 7

Remembering Laura Aguilar

by Gloria A. Ramírez, editor of La Voz

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5 When Antonia Castañeda called to ask me if I had read the article naked body—inspired and validated us at a level no one else had
on photographer Laura Aguilar that appeared in the New York ever done before.
Times on April 23, 2021, I was surprised to hear from Antonia
because we had not been in direct contact since the COVID Laura, herself, felt the connection to San Antonio and the
pandemic began. After she mailed me the article, The Transfor- Esperanza and its mujeres to be special. What other cultural arts
mative Power of Vulnerability by Holland Cotter, I read the full organization in the country was headed by brown queer women?
page article voraciously (yes, I know I could have found it on When we invited Laura to exhibit and work at the Esperanza in
the internet, but I still love reading the actual newspaper). Be- the mid 90s she spoke of her feelings about San Antonio and the
ing a huge fan of Laura’s work, and having been honored to be Esperanza writing:
one of her models in 1999 in the Texas hill country out by Inks
Lake, I had the opportunity to observe her genius in action as she “When I first came to San Antonio in September of 1996, I
photographed mujeres in the nude connected to the Esperanza in never thought I would want to come to Texas. My idea of Texas
natural settings that included cactus patches, riverbeds, rocks and was from the movie Giant: I saw Texas as a racist place, and
boulders, and trees hanging with vines. why would this California Chicana want to go there? But, when
I arrived I was surprised by the Esperanza and the San Antonio
In reading the article, though, what eventually struck me, was community that I found. Everybody was extremely supportive; it
that two of her most transformative and revealing works were wasn’t the Texas I expected. Penny Boyer, a friend I met through
exhibited early on at the Esperanza Center and would prove to be the Esperanza, opened her home to me—a total stranger—and
impactful for us all. Our connection with Laura began in the nine- that was unique. As I spent time in San Antonio, I met artists from
ties and immediately we became “sisters in struggle.” There were different organizations I found. This type of open, encouraging
so many things that we connected on as women, as lesbians, as support characterized many of the people I met and the experi-
queer people of color, as people with disabilities and difference, ences I had. Artists from different organizations were on friendly
and as working class and poor. Her very being as a fat brown terms and strongly supported each other’s creativity. Despite this
queer women with disabilities grated against the mainstream and warm welcome, who knew my work was going to make so much
we were to find out that her insistence in accepting her self fully, noise in this city?”
and unapologetically, by projecting her image and essence out
into the world in the form of magnificent photographs of her own In 1996, Esperanza cosponsored with VÅN, the exhibit,
Engendros, a photo exhibit on gender and sexuality, the first of
its kind in San Antonio. One of the pieces exhibited was Laura

Three Eagles Flying

8

Sandy’s Room

Aguilar’s iconic triptych, “Three Eagles Flying” composed of troversy in San Antonio with columnist, Roddy Stinson, leading LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5
three panels that included the American and Mexican flags on the charge making the photograph the subject of derision. He
each side of Laura who is tied up in the center panel with flags expressed disgust that “fat women” would dare make themselves
tied onto her naked body. Of this piece the New York Times the subject of art. This and other queer programs featuring queer
article stated: “From 1990 also comes what is probably Aguilar’s women of color (like comedian Monica Palacios) and queer men,
best known work, the triptych titled, “Three Eagles Flying.” In led to the defunding of the Esperanza on September 11, 1997 by
its central panel the artist stands, nude to the waist, her head the City of San Antonio—but the Esperanza regained its funding
hooded in a Mexican national flag, her lower body wrapped in through the courts winning our case in 2001.
the United States’ Stars and Stripes. A thick rope snakes around
her neck like a noose and ties her hands. She’s held captive by It’s ironic that these two photographs that were taken in 1989
political allegiances and their binding smothering power.” What and 1990 by Laura Aguilar are still as relevant and powerful as
this piece means to Queer Mexicanas like me, though, is the when we first saw them at the Esperanza Center in 1996. Laura
constant displacement of our existence in a land that does not see dared to embrace her whole being by photographing herself in
us much less accept us. What more can be these iconic ways and that inspired many of us to pose nude for
said of this photo taken in 1990? It speaks
of today and all of the “others” in the U.S. her and thus, validate their lives, too.
who are currently being cast out—“aliens” From the Plush Pony series where
in our own land where the powers that be
daily work to erase us. working class lesbians posed for Laura
to the Esperanza where mujeres agreed
The second iconic work that is gener- to pose in the nude amongst the natural
ally referenced among the many photos surroundings of the Texas hill country
Laura took in her short lifetime is Sandy’s resulting in the 2003 exhibit, “motions”
Room that also was exhibited at the & “center”, Laura Aguilar inspired us, all.
Esperanza’s Engendros exhibit in 1996. Even after her death in April of 2018—her
Of Sandy’s Room, the New York Times photographs are living representations of
article stated: “Aguilar suffered a life of her presence in this world. In museums
body-shaming and self-shaming, which throughout the U.S. and the world, Laura’s
she addressed and confronted through art. mark has been made and we shall forever
In one of her most widely reproduced self be grateful for her work.
portraits, ‘In Sandy’s Room’ from 1989,
we see her nude and half-reclining in a Laura Aguilar: Show and Tell the first
chair, facing an electric fan. It’s a great, comprehensive retrospective of her photo-
witty and, by now, classic image: a new- graphs over three decades organized by the
style Venus—related maybe to the Willen- Vincent Price Art Museum in Los Angeles
dorf Venus—relaxing, drink in hand, on a that Laura got to see before dying contin-
sultry Southern California day.” ues at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
in New York City through June 26, 2021.
Sandy’s Room, though, stirred con-
Laura Aguilar, presente!

Motion 9

Roots of Central
American Migration

By Rev. Phillip G. Ley, OFM Conv later, Bishop Álvaro Ramazzini, of Huehuetenango, Guatemala,

Director of Posada Guadalupe, San Antonio, Texas stated before a U.S. Congressional sub-committee, that the
Guatemalan farmer can compete with the U.S. farmer, but can-

The question that so many people raise is WHY? Why do so not compete with the U.S. Treasury, which gives huge subsidies

many people risk everything they have, including their very to the farmers here, who in turn dump their grain on the Central

lives to come to this country? It is true that people want a better American markets. One such farmer in Michoacán, Mexico

life than what is possible in their home countries, Honduras, told me that it is cheaper for him to buy corn imported from the

Guatemala, El Salvador. But why are United States than to grow it him-

the people so bereft of opportuni- self. Granted, that was in Mexico,

ties? This is where we need to look but the same is true of Central

at history. America.

Back in the 1950s, the United The experience of El Salvador is

Fruit Company went to Honduras different, but no less cruel. Un-

to plant bananas. They cut a deal rest due to lack of opportunity and

with the government in Tegucigalpa disparity of wealth had been simmer-

and ended up with some of the most ing for some time, then, on March

fertile land in the country, ideal for 24, 1980, Archbishop Romero, who

their banana plantations. They hired constantly spoke out is support of

peasants, from whom they had swin- the dignity of the poor, was gunned

dled their land, to do the labor for down by a military death squad. A

them. They installed a railroad to get murder that, to this day, has not been

the product from the field to the port resolved. This act was like the straw

to be shipped to the U.S. The labor The Northern Triangle of Central America includes Honduras, that broke the camel’s back, and an
conditions were worse than horrible, Guatemala & San Salvador. all-out civil war, supported by the

and when one of the workers died of malaria, his family was U.S. government ensued, lasting twelve years, leaving seventy-

evicted from company housing, and another person was hired. five thousand dead.   

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5 The United Fruit Company was not satisfied with their crops What happens then, is that all these generations later, young

in Honduras, they wanted more. So, they went to Guatemala to people from south of the border are coming north, in the hopes

do the same. In Guatemala, the freely, democratically elected of finding work to sustain their families, and lest it be left out of

president, Jacobo Arbenz, said no. Not willing to take no for the equation, to escape the violence of the gangs (another topic

an answer, however, the banana company appealed to one of to be discussed separately) that run rampant in all of the cities

their stock holders who had substantial influence in Washing- of what is known as the Northern Triangle of Central America—

ton—John Foster Dulles, the Secretary of State under President Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador.  I speak here with authority,

Eisenhower. He was quoted as saying “we have a communist having lived in our Franciscan missions in Honduras and El Sal-

in Guatemala and vador for a number

we need to take Caption of years.  One of
him out.” And take my good friends

him out they did.  was gunned down

Arbenz was able to

escape to Mexico,

but that event

unleashed a thirty- The United Fruit
six-year civil war Company was not
in Guatemala, in satisfied with their
which thousands crops in Honduras, they
upon thousands of wanted more. So, they
indigenous people went to Guatemala with
were slaughtered. their oppressive labor
practices and horrible
10 Some years living conditions setting
the stage for what is
today.

in broad daylight in El Salvador. Two weeks later I was kid- Mural of Archbishop Romero by San Francisco Bay artist, Juana Alicia: Acrylic
napped at gun-point, and all my confréres in El Salvador have mural on wooden garage door, Balmy Alley,1996, Text left: “Una ley inmoral, nadie
been assaulted, sometimes on the street, sometimes on the bus. tiene que cumplirla.” and on right, “No one should comply with an immoral law” —
Monseñor Oscar Romero
Contrary to public belief, those coming north are not
thieves, drug dealers, rapists, murderers etc. But the common
refrain we hear from politicians is that they take our jobs, (such
as roofing work under the brutal San Antonio sun during the
months of June, July and August or crawling under a house to
dig a post hole to level it) they don’t pay taxes and that they all
take advantage of our welfare programs. Of course, this is not
true, but it does instill fear in people and garner votes.

The only way we can convince people of the truth is to
invite them to come and get to know some of the people who
are “taking our jobs.” They will discover that they are just like
us, with the same love for their families and the same desire to
make a contribution to society as anyone else.

So, as I repeat, it is good that legislators are taking a serious
look at the current situation at our southern border, but until we
have the courage to take a serious look at our complicity in that
situation, Republicans and Democrats will continue to fight like
cats and dogs and nothing will get better.

BIO: Fr. Ley was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he re-
ceived his formal education in the Catholic schools. He joined
the Franciscans in 1978 and completed theological studies
at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He has
served missions in Honduras and El Salvador and is currently
Director of Posada Guadalupe in San Antonio.

Imagine a Culture of Peace
Continued from Page 7

diseases that kill thousands of Americans every year. Efforts in Hopefully someday U.S. wars will be deemed a non-essential LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5
some parts of the world to drastically and rapidly change human activity as Congress cuts funding for the military. We must elimi-
behavior— to suspend daily routines by social distancing, wear- nate war, healthcare disparities, systemic racism, aggressive polic-
ing masks, and staying at home to slow the spread of the novel ing, poverty, climate change, and pandemics. These are the things
coronavirus—show what can be done when lives are at stake. that are terrorizing Americans.

We have seen some hope for change as the mass protests This article is excerpted from Michael Knox’s book, Ending
following the execution of George Floyd overcame aggressive U.S Wars by Honoring Americans Who Work for Peace.
police and soldiers and seemed to garner the support of the nation
ultimately leading to the conviction of Derek Chauvin. What a BIO: Michael D. Knox, PhD is founder & chair of the US Peace
great model for action if the American people should ever become Memorial Foundation & Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the
outraged by U.S. mass murder and violence abroad. It might be a University of So. Florida. www.uspeacememorial.org/Knox.htm
natural progression considering that Black and Brown people are
disproportionately affected by war and militarization. Printed with permission of CounterPunch.

ENDING U.S. WARS

by Honoring Americans Who Work for Peace

All proceeds from the sale of this book go directly to the US Peace
Memorial Foundation, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

Go to bit.ly/ending-us-wars to purchase this book 11

Mi vida como inmigrante: Reunida con mis hijos

Mi reencuentro con mis hijos, agradecida de Dios por darme salud
y valentía para superar cada obstáculo.

Por Yoania

Regresé a Chile por tres meses, un 12 deLA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5 señora María Eugenia y
enero, cumpliendo con un acuerdo que su familia, hija de la Sra
tenía  con Marco mi último empleador. Re- María Angélica con la cual
tomé mi trabajo intensivo por períodos de tuve una hermosa relación 
15 días haciéndome cargo de todo lo que don creándose entre ambas una
Marco necesitaba. Si bien era agotador yo lo hacía gran amistad. Agradecida tam-
feliz porque su trato era excelente. El fin de semana bién estoy del Señor Marco
me recibía mi mami Chilena (Sra. Ana María) y con porque de él aprendí mucho y hasta
ella compartíamos los mejores almuerzos. Nos reíamos, veía- ahora gracias a él aprendí y estoy  tra-
mos TV, nos acompañabamos mutuamente. A veces sentía que bajando cuidando personas. 
era mucho abuso estar allí pero ella me hizo sentir que para ella Pasaban los días y yo cada vez más ansiosa, venían los
era un agrado y no un problema. Conversábamos mucho, nunca cumpleaños de mis hijos y yo sin estar con ellos, eso destrozaba
me aburrí de su compañía. mi alma. Vivía cada noche en angustia lloraba sola, me tragué mi
tristeza. Andaba sacando mis papeles chilenos y me faltaba mi
Recibí noticias de mis hijos un 23 de febrero, ya estaban DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) pero con la cuaren-
en Argentina y eso me puso más ansiosa y con muchas ganas tena todo se complicaba. Consulté a un señor que conocía al
de regresar allí, a estar con ellos. En Marzo recibí un mensaje de llegar a Chile y le pedí ayuda pues tenía contactos en extranjería
la aerolínea que debido a la aparición del COVID se aplazaba al preguntarle cuanto me iba a cobrar, su respuesta fué que… yo
mi fecha de viaje. Me sentí muy mal y les avisé a mis hijos y a sabía lo que el quería…o sea insinuó el intimar conmigo… lo
su papá de esta triste noticia. Me costó hacerles entender que  no mandé al carajo y preferí esperar mis trámites legalmente y no
era culpa mía no poder viajar ( SOLO DOY GRACIAS Y DIOS hacer esa bajeza. 
SABE PORQUE HACE LAS COSAS, ELLOS EN ARGENTI- Aparte yo conocí a un excelente hombre, muy caballe-
NA TENÍAN CUARENTENA Y NO PODIAN SALIR A TRA- ro, salíamos en mis días libres y me dí la oportunidad de conocer-
BAJAR PERO YO DESDE CHILE LES ENVIABA DINERO) lo. Nos llevabamos muy bien y tuve una bonita relación y hasta la
eso fué la única parte buena de tener que quedarme. fecha somos amigos.... 
La mami fué mi apoyo, mi amiga, mi fortaleza en Chile, me
El viaje por esta pandemia se aplazó—Abril, Junio, Julio, motivaba a salir adelante y nunca me sentí sola a su lado fue lo
Agosto—tomé fecha para el pasaje para irme a Argentina en Sep- mejor que me pasó, yo muy  agradecida día a día con ella. Gra-
tiembre y yo seguí trabajando con el señor Marco adaptándome cias a ella tuve empleo, conocí buenas personas, aprendí mucho
a su ritmo de vida pues es un paciente tetraplejico, que requiere cada día—por eso, la extraño muchísimo. Con la  Sra María
muchos cuidados. El tenía que tener a un reemplazo con tiem- Angélica fue difícil pues ella estaba muy apegada a mí y sentí
po por lo cual acercándose la fecha de mi posible viaje en Sep- en ese último abrazo la tristeza que la recorría completamente.
tiembre, el buscó a mi reemplazante. Consiguió una buena chica, Pocos meses después de abandonar Chile, ella falleció y hasta
también venezolana. Yo la entrené y aprendió rápidamente. Es- hoy conservo conmigo ese último abrazo que fue el anticipo de
tábamos listos para el cambio y despedida cuando nuevamente nuestra despedida definitiva.
me aplazaron el viaje y ya era muy tarde para volver a mi tra- Al fin llegó el día de mi viaje a Argentina, me despedí en una
bajo pues ya el contrato con mi reemplazante estaba hecho. semana de las pocas y grandes personas que conocí en Chile. Me
acompañó al aereopuerto ese gran hombre que conocí. Estuvo allí
Dejé de trabajar con don Marco y afortunadamente en el conmigo hasta el ultimo minuto, una bonita despedida. Con la
edificio donde vivía la Sra Ana María me ofrecieron cuidar a una mami tuve una maravillosa despedida entre las dos. 
Sra, María Angélica (Lela) que residía con su familia que me Yo estaba muy nerviosa y ansiosa. Mis hijos no sabían
aceptó con mucho cariño. Trabajar y vivír en el mismo edifi- que yo viajaba y quería darles esa sorpresa por lo cual su
cio fue una gran bendición, especialmente por el COVID, así no papá que sabía me ayudó a realizar esa sorpresa. Cada
tenía que salir a exponerme. Doy gracias a Dios no tengo quejas hora cada minuto y segundo mi corazón palpitaba a mil. Escribo
y nunca me he quejado desde que salí de Venezuela. Cada etapa esto y mi corazón se achica y mis lágrimas salen porque revivo
sufrí, reí, lloré, pasé cosas buenas y malas y de todas aprendí. En

12 Chile encontré gente muy buena y especialmente el apoyo  de la
señora Ana María y su familia. También destaco el apoyo de la

aceptó con mucho cariño. más los dejaré. Gracias a Dios tengo

un empleo cuidando personas y a seguir guerreando y salir adel-

ante pues tengo la esperanza de en algún momento ir a Venezue-

la y visitar a mis hermanas y sus familias; a  Perú a ver a buenos

amigos con quienes me mantengo en contacto. En Chile, visitar

hermosas personas y volverla a ver, reír y compartir con la

señora Ana María, con la señora María Eugenia, y con el señor

Marco.

Agradecida de la vida por los lindos y hermosos lugares que

conocí y bueno seguir adelante y ver que se presenta quedarme

acá en Argentina o seguir conociendo otras culturas, pero si

avanzo me llevo a mis negritos. jejeje. A cada inmigrante le

deseo mil bendiciones y fuerza que ya lo más difícil fue salir de

nuestro país, lo demás es sobretodo trabajo. Dios nos acompañe

y nos regale mucha salud para así ayudar a nuestras familias que

quedaron en Venezuela. No es fácil, pero con humildad , sinceri-

Me ofrecieron cuidar a la Sra. María Ángélica (Lela) que me aceptó con cariño. dad  se puede hacer  un trabajo con honestidad y de corazón.

todo aquello, ese pasado donde sufrí mucho por estar sola y sin Agradecida por la ayuda de la señora Liliana Wilson
mis hijos. Al llegar al aereopuerto en Argentina tomé un taxi
directo a casa. La idea era que yo llegaría a casa y mis hijos iban porque por ella conoce mi historia; Ana María Wilson por ser mi
a estar en un parque para que cuando regresarán a casa verme
allí, pero resulta que yo me puse muy ansiosa y no aguanté y me apoyo y animarme para escribir y contar lo que he vivido como si
fui al parque. Ahí ví a mis hijos desde lejos, inmensamente
grandes, cambiados por completo. fuera una aventura. 

Los había dejado dos años atrás en Venezuela, chiquiti- En Argentina sigo viviendo feliz a pesar de que en mi trabajo
tos y verlos ahora grandes, crecidos, casi o igual a mi estatura.
Ellos me vieron y salieron corriendo a abrazarme. Mi hijo rompió a veces he sentido maltratos verbales y eso no se lo deseo a nadie.
en llanto porque no lo creía y mi hija me dio un abrazo sin
soltarnos por varios minutos. Yo en shock por verlos y estar al Agradezco al padre de mi hijos por siempre estar allí y a mis hi-
fin, gracias a Dios, reunida con mi familia. Esa noche comimos,
reímos, conversamos y no quería dejar de tocarlos porque aún jos por ser maravil-
los veía como en un sueño. Pido perdón a Dios y a mis hijos, por
haberlos dejado solos a veces pienso que fui mala madre al dejar- loso y luchadores.
los pues me perdí muchos momentos especiales de ellos—pero
no tuve opción era dejarlos o morir de hambre y de necesidades Estoy feliz de estar
en mi país natal. 
con ellos y reencon-
Doy gracias a Dios, a Luis Enrique (mi esposo) por siempre
estar allí con mis hijos, agradecida en Perú por muchas perso- trarnos y verlos her-
nas que estuvieron apoyándome. Agradecida en Chile de Mi-
chel, de la señora Ana María y su familia, al señor Marcos y su mosos y sanos. Me
familia, a la señora María Eugenia y su familia. A Erik por su
apoyo y compañía en mis últimos meses en Chile. Ahora estoy costó reconectarme
acá en Argentina con mis negritos y nunca me ofrecieron cuidar a
una Sra, María Angélica (Lela) que residía con su familia que me con ellos, pero todo

a su tiempo.

Deseo que cada

inmigrante pu- LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5

eda estar con sus

seres queridos. Y

no todo es color de

rosa, cada uno tiene

su propia historia ,

salimos a darlo todo

y ser ejemplo para

muchos. BENDI-

CIONES DESDE Don Marco, mi empleador en Chile, me trato de lo mas
ARGENTINA.  bien mientras yo me hacia cargo de todo.

Editor’s Note: Yoania, originally from Venezuela, related Finally, in this last story, she travels from Chile to Argentina 13
her journey throughout Latin America as an immigrant seek- where the father of her children has established residence with
ing work to make a better life for her children whom she left their children and where she finds permanent employment
behind. In three stories featured in the 2021 Voz de Esperanza as a caregiver. There she finally reunites with her children.
she details her journey. In the February issue Yoania begins The three stories of Yoania’s immigrant experiences in Latin
sharing her experiences traveling from Venezuela to Perú America that have appeared in La Voz have helped her children
where she ultimately finds work in a factory restaurant rising understand that their mother did not abandon them by leav-
to the status of main cashier despite obstacles along the way. ing to look for work in other countries, but rather, had their
In the second story featured in the April issue of La Voz, she best interests in mind providing them with the best life she
travels from Perú to Chile where she learns to manage a small could offer from afar. The relationships Yoania forges in Chile
bodega but gets cheated out of her salary by a shady proprietor. become lifelong relationships and she feels she has a home and
In Chile, she builds lasting relationships and finds a job that family to return to there. Blessings and many thanks to Yoania
ultimately becomes her calling as a caregiver to the elderly. and Liliana Wilson who made these stories possible.

Arte Sana &
Dripping
Springs
Community
Empowering
Positive
Change

invite all residents of Hays County, and
friends of Texas to participate in the
Juneteenth Freedom online art exhibit!
We seek work that reflects and inspires the
spirit and meaning of Juneteenth with diverse
themes to celebrate our nation’s second
Independence Day.
These themes include reimagining freedom,
representation, resiliency, and social justice.
Art submission deadline: 6/3/2021
bit.ly/tejas-june

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth a stateJuneteenth Emancipation Day
holiday in 1980. Last year, numerous states, cities Celebration, June 19, 1900, Texas.
and colleges across the US moved to recognize it as
an official holiday. Opal Lee has walked thousands of Reunion @ Comanche Park #2
miles from Fort Worth to Washington, DC, to ensure 2600 Rigsby Ave,
June 19th – the oldest regular US San Antonio, TX 78222
celebration of the end of slavery – bit.ly/tx-freedom
becomes a national holiday. More
recently, she started a petition 2021 Texas
(bit.ly/june-petition) that has Freedom Festival
since gathered over 1.5 million

14 signatures.

Notas Y Más Start your 2022
tax deductible gifts
June 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!
Domesticas Unidas will Cultural Arts Center returns July Send donations to Esperanza

be offering a series of 8-11, 2021. The 42nd edition focuses Esperanza Peace
And Justice Center
trainings on June 23, 24, on Chicano,Latinx & Native
922 San Pedro Avenue
and 25 to train American cinema, with an emphasis San Antonio, TX 78212

facilitators for the project, Haciendo on Texas films. Depending on public To sign up as a monthly donor,
Call 210.228.0201 or
Historia, that will feature stories health guidelines the festival may be
email: [email protected]
from the lives of domestic workers. held in virtual format, or as a mix of
Visit www.esperanzacenter.org/donate
Check: www.domesticasunidas.org/ virtual and live. For updates check for online giving options.

or call 210.310.6071. [email protected] or ¡Mil Gracias!

Domesticas Unidas ofrecerá call 210.271.3151.

una serie de entrenamientos para Haymarket Books

aprender ser facilitadoras del stands in solidarity with

proyecto, Haciendo Historia, all those resisting police

una colección de historias de las violence, mass

mujeres de Domesticas Unidas. Para incarceration, and the racist carceral

informes: www.domesticasunidas. system. Our Abolition Now!

org o llame al 210.310.6071. 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.

One of a Kind, Like Me/ Dreaming with Mariposas “In her new book LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5
Único como yo
by Sonia Gutiérrez On Juneteenth
One of a Winner of the Tomás Rivera 2021
Kind, Like Award for Older Readers the Pulitzer Prize–winning
Me/Único historian, Annette Gordon-
como yo, For more information visit
sparked a FlowerSong Press online at Reed, takes
controversy www.flowersongpress.com on the Texas
in Columbus holiday that
Co., North has gone
Carolina and national.”
was banned. —Texas
The story Monthly,
about a boy who dresses up like a princess, June 2021
was deemed confusing and age inappro- (bit.ly/tm-gordon)
priate for their elementary school kids.
The author, Laurin Mayeno wrote a piece Now available at your 15
for the Huffington Post in response at: bit. favorite reseller.
ly/bannedBook To support Laurin and buy
her book go to:

www.oneofakindlikeme.com

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • June 2021 Vol. 34 Issue 5

City of San Antonio 96.5Radio Esperanza – SA

Runoff Election KEPJ-LPFM-San Antonio

VOTE Radio Esperanza is dedicated to
providing social justice organizing
Sat. June 5, 2021
and community expression.
Early Vote Period
Mon. , May 24 – Tue June 1

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

San Antonio, TX
Permit #332

Noche Azul 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
en Casa Concert

SAT. JUNE 26 @ 8pm CT (English)
SUN. JUNE 27 @ 3pm CT (Spanish)

FaceBook.com/esperanzacenter
YouTube.com/esperanzacenter

Give OUT Day, the only national
day of giving for the LGBTQ
community is coming up! This
month you can donate to your
local LGBTQ+ organizations.

LGBTQ organizing and cultural-arts
programming has been at the root of
Esperanza’s work since the beginning in
1987. Our work is shaped by the belief
that justice requires acknowledging
and addressing the interconnection
of oppression across gender, sexual
orientation, gender identity and
expression, race, class, age, health,
physical, linguistic and cultural
boundaries. Give to the Esperanza.

To give go to:
www.esperanzacenter.org/donate

Donations can also be mailed to our office
at Esperanza Peace & Justice Center,
922 San Pedro Ave., SA, TX, 78212.