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America The Land Of Contradictions And Failed Promises By Tarcisio Beal • The Deplorable Injustice For The People Of Guatemala By Joel Rodriguez - Lahasa Org • Literary Ofrendas • Juanita Rosas Delgado And Pedro Delgado By Rachel Delgado • Flor De Pita By Margarita Elizarde • Gratitude – Agradecimiento - 1921 Flood Tribute By Antonia Castaneda • When Giving Is All We Have By Alberto Rios • Maria Alejandra - Laritista - Ibarra • Thank You Donors - For Helping Us To Move Forward

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Published by esperanza, 2021-12-16 01:35:36

La Voz - December January 2021

America The Land Of Contradictions And Failed Promises By Tarcisio Beal • The Deplorable Injustice For The People Of Guatemala By Joel Rodriguez - Lahasa Org • Literary Ofrendas • Juanita Rosas Delgado And Pedro Delgado By Rachel Delgado • Flor De Pita By Margarita Elizarde • Gratitude – Agradecimiento - 1921 Flood Tribute By Antonia Castaneda • When Giving Is All We Have By Alberto Rios • Maria Alejandra - Laritista - Ibarra • Thank You Donors - For Helping Us To Move Forward

Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 San Antonio, Tejas

Esperanza's Casa de Cuentos, 816 S. Colorado

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 • La Voz de AAbbleleaakk22002211eennddeeddininaabbuurrssttooffaacctitvivitiytyffoorrththeeEEssppeerraannzzaaaassmmoorreeaannddmmoorreeBBuueennaa
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Design: Elizandro Carrington aksegpetngtreoawdidnegdapshgoetnotseoafdddeecdeapsheodtofsamofildye, cfreiaesneddsfaanmdilayn,cferisetonrdss. aTnhdeaanltcaersrtoemrs.aiTnheed aolptaern
Cover photo: Gloria A. Ramírez thrermouaginheNdoovpeemnbtherro8utghhasNdoivdetmhebesrm8atlhlearsodfirdenthdeassmsuarlrloeurnodfirnegndthase sCuarsroaudnedCinugetnhteosCaansda on
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Contributors rsetmudaiioneidn othpeenbawckiththDatiaredme aminueedrtoopseintewmisthfaDshiaiodneedmiunecrtloasy iftoermssalfea.shSitoronleldinignmcluasyicfioarnssa, lEel.
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Sylvia Aleman, Tarcisio Beal, Norma E. Cantú, eefnfotirrtetloy roeumtdaoinorCsOinVaInDe-sffaofret. tAofrteemr tahiencCleOaVn-IuDp-soaffteh.eAMfteurerthtoesc’ leevaenn-tu,pthoef CthaesaMdueeCrtouse’ntos
Antonia Castañeda,Victor Cortes, Rachel reevmeanitn,etdhebCeaaustaifduel wCuitehnmtoasrrigemoladisniendfbuellaubtliofouml wainthd mdraieridgostladlskisnhfaunlgl ibnlgooomn tahnedfdenriceedpro-
Delgado, Margarita Elizarde, Tiffany M. vsitdailnkgs sheaendgifnogr noenxtthyeefaern’scejaprrdoinveidsi.nEgspseeeradnfzoar’sneBxuteyneaarg’esnjtaer,dsitnaefsf,. bEosapredraannzda’dsoBnuoersnalike
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Gómez, Dennis Medina, Lisa Mellinger, José Tmheamt eonrtahbulseiaMsmuesrteorsv’ecdealesbarastpiorinn.gTbhoaatrdenfothrutshieassmucsceersvseodfatshea 2sp0r2i1ngMboeracraddfiotor tdheepsauzcctheasst
L. Pérez, Kamala Platt, Gloria A. Ramírez, fooflltohwee2d0i2n1NMoevrecmadbietor. dWeepeanzdththaet fyoelalorw2e0d21infeNeolivnegmbbleesr.seWdeaennddctahuetiyoeuasrly2o0p2t1imfeiesltiincgas
Rosemary Reyna-Sánchez, Albert Rios, Joel wbeleesnsetedrainndtocaauNtieowusYlyeaorpwtiimthisatinceaws wsteraeinntoerf iCnOtoVaIDNetwo wYoearrrywaibthouat.nHewowstervaeinr, owfeCaOreViImD-
Rodríguez, Lillian Stevens, Marilyn Wallner mtoenwsoerlyrygarbatoeuftu.lHfoorwtehveedr,ownaetiaornesiamnmd esnuspeployrgt rfarotemfuyl ofour, tthhee BdouneantaiognesnatendofsuthpepoErstpferroamnza.
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La Voz Mail Collective jufosrtiscoec. iTahl,iscufultlulrcaollaonrdisesnuveiroofnmLaenVtoazl jduestEicsep.eTrahniszafuhlol ncoorlosroiusrsudeeaorflyLdaeVpaorzteddeaEsslpiteerraanrzya
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...is sheltering at home due to COVID-19 but bArinndgsjumstelmy soori—esfoofr ltohveeedndonoefsabyoetharlibvriinnggsanmdedmeoardi.esMoafnlyovtheadnoknsefsobr oytohulrivsuinbgmainssdiodnesadto.
will return when it is safe. Extra funds are being LMa aVnoyz.thKaenekps tfhoermyocuormsuinbgmiinss2i0o2n2s.toSeLnadVtoo:[email protected]. Send to: la voz@
esperanz acenter.o rg
raised to pay for the folding of La Voz.
UUnnAAññooNNuueevvooSSaaluluddaabblele!! ——GGlolorriaiaAA..RRaammíríreezz,,eedditiotorrooffLLaaVVoozzddeeEEssppeerraannzzaa
Esperanza Director
Many thanks to buena gente, staff, board and volunteers who made the 2021 Día de los
Graciela I. Sánchez Muertos celebration at the Esperanza’s Rinconcito so special this year. Aside from the
ofrendas on view, the música and the beautiful jardines of cempaxuchitl (marigolds)—the
Esperanza Staff community of visitors were wonderful to host with their beautiful stories of loss and life.
Feliz fin de año y mucho amor y esperanza para el año nuevo. Happy end to 2021 and
Elizandro Carrington, Kayla Miranda, much love and hope for the New Year—2022!
Paul Plouf, Natalie Rodríguez, René Saenz,
Imane Saliba, Susana Segura, Amelia Valdez,

Rosa Vega

Conjunto de Nepantleras
—Esperanza Board of Directors—

Richard Aguilar, Norma Cantú, Yasmina Codina,
Brent Floyd, Rachel Jennings, Amy Kastely,
Angie Merla, Jan Olsen, Ana Lucía Ramírez,
Gloria A. Ramírez, Rudy Rosales,
Lilliana Saldaña, Nadine Saliba,
Graciela I. Sánchez, Lillian Stevens

• We advocate for a wide variety of social,
economic & environmental justice issues.

• Opinions expressed in La Voz are not
necessarily those of the Esperanza Center.

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America,

The Land of Contradictions

and Failed Promises

By Tarcisio Beal

The America which unfolded in the 1960s under the Now, the contrast between the decade of the LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 •
Kennedy-Johnson Administrations was truly the 1960s and that of 2021 is between light/hope on
hope of the world and it remains in stark con- one side, and darkness, doubt, and gloom, on
trast with the Trump/GOP ugliness, divisive- the other. The debacle started under President
ness, and antidemocratic immorality of today. Richard Nixon, who nullified the effectiveness of
While driving to class at the Catholic Universi- the Peace Corps and began the invasion of Iraq.
ty of America (CUA – Washington, D. C.), my Today, more than ever, too many Americans are
car radio began announcing the assassination being deluded into believing in lies, untruths and
of JFK. Then the Voice of America asked me to evil political plots that lead to immoral, undemo-
broadcast JFK’s funeral to all of Brazil. Tears cratic and violent behavior often encouraged by
filled my eyes and voice while describing how big money and the control of political and social
his little son approached the casket and planted power. The 2nd Amendment has been turned into
a loud kiss on his dead daddy’s cheek. an absolute, a moneymaker for gun manufactur-
ers and the NRA, and an easy buy for criminals all
Nevertheless, the assassination of JFK did not over the nation. How can anyone justify the kind of freedom
stop the U. S. government’s drive for a better America and a that endangers human life? Why aren’t all Christian Churches
better world. The 1964 Civil Rights Act culminated the heroic following the lead of the Catholic Church and Pope Francis
life of Martin Luther King, whose famous “I have a Dream” who emphasize that all human life and the love of neighbor,
speech and rally in front of the Lincoln Memorial I was whatever his/her color or ethnicity, is the hallmark of every true
fortunate to attend. Then, there was Sargent Shriver’s creation Christian?
of the Department of States’ Peace Corps Program for Latin Why is it that Benjamin Franklin is seldom mentioned these
America, aimed at sending young Americans to help raise the days, he who said clearly that “to love God is to do good to one’s
standard of living of the poor. I personally worked as Coordina- neighbor?” Yes, Thomas Jefferson was an earlier proponent of
tor of four Peace Corps Programs for Brazil (three at Marquette white supremacy, but he completely changed his mind after 1799
University, Milwaukee, 1964, 1965, 1966 and one at the School and opposed slavery as a moral stain on the nation: “The whole
of International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont, 1968). The Al- commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the
liance for Progress had become the blueprint to get Latin America most boisterous passions, the most unrelenting despotism on the
out of the vicious cycle of poverty and the grip of bloody dicta- one part, and degrading submission on the other” (cf. Christopher
tors. My 1969 trip to Brazil confirmed the effectiveness of the Hayes, “The New Abolitionism,” in The Nation, May 14, 2014).
Peace Corps’ youngsters’ care for the poor in the Northeast of the Anyone who studies the history of the United States will real-
country. ize that the 2nd Amendment was instituted because of the danger
posed by British troops that were threatening the lives of any
I also experienced the State Department’s goodwill and care American who participated in the movement for independence.
for healthy international relations while working as interpreter There is no way that the Founding Fathers, if they were here
and translator of Portuguese and Spanish at three joint meetings today, would sanction a literal reading of the 2nd Amendment and
of the American and Latin American military officers in Fort of a white supremacy concept that threaten life and basic human
Bragg, North Carolina, Washington, D. C., and San Antonio, TX. rights and that have killed hundreds of thousands of Americans.
Furthermore, hired by the State Department as guide/interpreter In fact, in 1912, the Chief of the Supreme Court declared that the
for dozens of Brazilian visitors who wished to know the best of 2nd Amendment should be interpreted according to the conditions
the U.S., I took them on the road from New York to Denver, the and realities of the time, and not simply as the right to bear arms.
Grand Canyon, to Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Contradictions and nonsense, including the falsification of
Miami. In Los Angeles, I took the Brazilian lawyer to Broadway history, are being used these days to justify undemocratic and
Street to watch the parade in support of Bobby Kennedy’s cam- even immoral actions and movements, including a form of reli-
paign for the Presidency, and even took a photo of Bobby speak- gion which is anything but Christian or godly. The same govern-
ing to the crowd. When I arrived in Miami that night, the TV was ment authorities and legislators who facilitate the possession of
announcing his assassination. deadly weapons in the name of the 2nd Amendment, are denying
the basic rights of women, of the LGBTQ community, and the
Yes, the dreams of “Camelot” were dealt a serious blow with right to vote to millions of Americans. They also wish to abolish
the assassinations of JFK, Bobby Kennedy, and Martin Luther
King. However, the hopes and commitment remained high and 3Continued on Page 5
President Lyndon B. Johnson turned into the most dedicated and
sincere advocate of civil rights and social justice in the history of
the American Presidency.

The Deplorable Injustice
for the People of Guatemala

By Joel Rodríguez, Lahasa.org

If you are like me and others you clear language: To overthrow the present Guatemalan gov-

are fully aware of the conditions ernment BY FORCE. It was not “The war against Commu-

in Latin America yet know little nism” or “Battle for Democracy” commonly referred

about its history. Immigration, to today.

drugs and violence are constantly The document goes on to direct what kind

shown by mainstream media, of government will be established with total

while the roots of the problem are disregard for the Guatemalans, themselves.

dismissed. This tactic has been It was decided that a provisional government

used to portray Latin Americans would be established for a period of two years

unable to better themselves, with (Carlos Castillo Armas, leader of the U.S. coup,

the only option being to flee their was assassinated in 1957. It can be argued that

countries to seek a better life. the U.S. played a role in his death to prevent

This narrative is utterly false. details of the coup from becoming public) and

What is never mentioned (infor- the first measure taken would be to abrogate the

mation readily available) is the present socialistic Constitution of 1945.

extent of U.S. intervention. It is The Constitution of 1945 was created by

well documented, however, the revolutionary government and

it is done in such a way as offered all Guatemalans—for the

to marginalize, deceive, and first time—guaranteed rights and

prevent public reaction. Excuses freedoms. Yet, the U.S. decided

are made, actions are justified, Redacted documents on the plot to overthrow that it must be reverted back to the
and it is the Latin American the Guatemalan government.
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 • people who continue to suffer. constitution of 1925, in effect, trans-
forming the country back to dictatorial

Guatemala is the prime example of U.S. interven- rule. Why 1925?—During that period, then President

tion. The U.S. has no problem showing us caravans of Lazaro Chacón signed a 25 year contract exempting

migrants and images of Guatemalans held in cells, yet the United Fruit Company from all government duties

fails to teach us the history of the CIA in our public and taxes to expire at the end of 1951, suggesting gen-

schools. It is time we take our history back, educate erous language favorable to foreign companies.

ourselves on who we are and where we come from, The new constitution would abolish the indepen-

and in some cases, why we are here in the first place. dence of the military, placing the president in control

In regards to Guatemala, The Plot to Overthrow of the armed forces and re-instituting dictatorship con-

the Guatemalan Government (available on the CIA’s trol. It would go on to abolish ALL labor legislation

website) reveals the true intention of the U.S. State since the revolution of 1944 (nothing was to be kept

Department. Taken at face value, such language by any regardless of the Guatemalan people’s interests), and in

other country would have created an outcry of indigna- almost sadistic fashion, guarantees would be made to

tion. If it were a Russian document, news would have industry (owned primarily by United Fruit).

spread like wildfire. It was determined that whatever government to be

Books written on the subject continue to dismiss established would base foreign policy on its relation-

this document. The facts show intentions were much ship with the U.S. and not on its own values or desires.

more sinister and provide evidence that academia has It also states that the country would modernize trans-

failed to acknowledge such action ever took place. portation and economy (for corporate interests—the

The document in question is dated the 20th of majority of the population has not benefited). The op-

November, 1951, three years prior to the coup. Jacobo eration itself was designed in advance and carried out

Arbenz, the second freely elected president in Gua- with minimal deviation from what has been outlined in

temala’s history, took the office in March of that year this document. 

and carried on with Arevalo’s progressive reforms. In There was no credited basis for planning the

less than 8 months, plans were created to overthrow removal of rights and freedoms of the Guatemalan peo-

the new government. ple. Juan José Arevalo’s government was progressive,

Pertinent information as to who and when have not communist, and acknowledged as such in interna-

4 been redacted, as well as identifying information tional circles. Jacobo Arbenz continued with reforms
found in the first paragraph. It’s aims are laid out in being instituted by a freely elected government.

Decree 900—the “infamous” agrarian reform—was throughout Latin America and Europe by reporters grounded
not institutionalized until June 17th of 1952, seven in the U.S. No action was taken to investigate the accusations
months after the plot was created. or the evidence, the program was renamed PBSUCCESS (PB-
FORTUNE was rather obvious), and it’s secrets buried behind a
The United States intervened with the sole purpose of “rolling curtain of lies—further acknowledging the illegal activities of the
back the clock” to the days of repression and peonage. The U.S. U.S. government and the deliberate attempt to cover it up.
overthrew a legitimate government, altered its’ constitution, and
dictated the priorities of the future “government”. From a purely This needs to be known by the American people.
objective standpoint it becomes clear why this document has been The illegal acts committed by the U.S. to include obstruction
long overlooked—The Department of State committed multiple of justice is a deplorable injustice for the people of Guatemala,
crimes against a sovereign nation. The facts are indisputable. who have not recovered from the event. Guatemala was a victim
of international crimes with no opportunity to seek resolution.
Suspicions of subversion were identified by the Guatemalan The argument that anti-communism was the main cause for inter-
government during Arevalo’s time in office. The plot to over- vention is undeniably false in the case of Guatemala.
throw the government was uncovered soon after this document
was created. For two years the government of Guatemala vocal- Bio: Joel Rodríguez is founder/owner of the Latin American
ized concerns of intervention, attempted to defend independence Historical Awareness Society of the Americas. He emailed this
through the “legal process” of the United Nations, and presented article to La Voz because he felt it imperative that Voz readers
documentary proof of the plot. The operation had been shared know about the history of the U.S. involvement in Guatemala.

WHEN IT’S MY TIME TO GO TO HEAVEN (OJALÁ)

Whom I hope will meet me at the Pearly Gates:

My Beloved Boxer, Dusty, that my father dumped far from home, miraculously she returned to me on her own.

Mi Querida Abuelita, María Reyna, that I loved so much, who showed me love and attention when I had none.

Mi Madre, María “Neva” Mora, who sacrificed so much when, my father “El Viejero” abandoned us LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 •
when I was ten.

My Abuelo, “Apa,” who spoiled me so, he couldn’t speak English well but he was well versed in his
vocabulary of bad words like “Mutha Fuker” (he was the pioneer of rap music without knowing it).

Mi Abuela. “Ama”., who loved her birthplace Mexico, “Apa” would taunt her by saying “Tienes Mexico
en el Corazón, pero la panza en los Estados Unidos” and oh yes, she’d get mad.

My good Friend and Supervisor, Guadalupe Flores, who traveled to Chicago on vacation only to be struck down by a stray bullet
while visiting.

And the countless relatives and friends that have gone before me, too numerous to mention, that are loved and sorely missed.

Please take the time to tell your loved ones how much you love and care for them. Hug them and tell them how much they’ve touched
your life. LA VIDA ESTA EMPRESTADA, LIFE IS A GIFT, DON’T WASTE IT!

—Rosemary Reyna-Sánchez

America

Continued from Page 3

denial of basic human rights to the slaughter of black Americans,

the right to the very base of education, which is to form the critical sometimes of whole black communities.

minds of the young generations to have truth and facts as guides We must also face other serious threats to American democracy

for their lives’ actions. and human rights, especially that of the control of minds facilitated

by the new technology of cellphones, the Internet and a portion

Unless we become aware of America’s history from its of the media that propagate lies and falsehoods, trying to control
beginnings, of its strength and its weaknesses, we will the minds of the people and increase their revenues. We even hear
not shape a better future for the country. some folks, including ex-President Trump, glorifying Hitler and
the Nazis, and denying that the Holocaust ever took place. This

What is being called “Critical Race Theory’” is a study of the truth topic, however, will be discussed in a separate article.

and facts of racial relations, a truth and documented facts that its Bio: Tarcisio Beal is professor Emeritus of History at the Univer- 5
opponents cannot stand, from the sins and plague of slavery and sity of the Incarnate Word.

Literary Ofrendas

Para Enedina Cásarez Vásquez EL PUENTE

Con tremendo dolor en el alma by José L. Perez
y un pesar en el corazón
llorando --pero con razón-- Ya merito llego al puente,
con un nudo en la garganta El que yo dejé ayer
me despido de mi amiga,
Enedina Cásarez Vásquez Lleno de toda esa gente

Quien con alma sencilla y pura Que nunca pude yo perder. May 6, 1961 – Nov. 11, 1991
con su manto acobijo a tantos Padre, hagame una seña
todo corazón, todo amor y ternura Energetic advocate for AIDS
hay que sonreir, cantar y sin llantos Una hecha para mi. services and human rights,
me despido de mi amiga
Enedina Cásarez Vásquez Una que no me haga leña And a wonderful friend.
Cuando pienso yo de ti.
Con sus corazones de madera y de cristal This is a tribute to Joe, who has
valiosa herencia nos legó: sin siquiera descansar Hay que olvidar esos dolores been gone now twice as long, as
fue algo tanscendental he was here,
eso y mas debo matizar y Que me han hecho tanto daño.
me despido de mi amiga Yet whose memory lingers—
Enedina Casarez Vasquez Hay que buscar nuevos amores, –Dennis Medina

Vuela vuela pajarillo párate en aquel pirúl, Los que gritan por mi paño.
y con jasmines y flores Y buscan lo que yo busco,
dile gracias, for we are grateful, ¡Y buscan lo que yo busco!

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 • a mi amiga Enedina Cásarez Vásquez

–Norma E. Cantú.

Para María Lugones

Beloved Detroit With her brilliance she dazzled all,
with her wisdom enlightened all
Haiku for Grace Lee Boggs too quickly she heeded the call
An updated reprinting and left us con un adios sinigual

In Michigan time, Too soon and too quick her candle burned
too many lessons well-learned
Detroit Summers last all year, our world she never ceased to explain
as she left us con un ¿me entienden?”
Even when snow falls.

Rich garden planting, Grace defined revolution Desde el mas alla she will guide Art: Alma López
Claiming vacant lots for food, In Detroit passions.
Feeding hungry minds.
determined to decolonize, to end feminicide
Lots, transforming time, We must do the same:
Fertilizing ideas, Yes. “We are the ones that we aferrandose a ver mundos collide
Harvesting lost lives. Have been waiting for.” *
sin dejar el true and tried

Murals document. —Lillian Stevens Her legacy perdures, lives on
as we climb the ladder still eslabón por eslabón
Art, reclaiming public space. * June Jordan was the originator of until we reach her goal of life fuera del cajón.
Revolutions make artists! the quote, “We are the ones we All we need is to carry on!

Renovating home, have been waiting for.”

6 –Norma E. Cantú.

Adios Pepe

Hermano no quiero ser egoísta, pero tampoco te quiero perder.
será difícil ya no poder disfrutar contigo nuestras experiencias,
compartir el amor que nuestra madre nos inculcó desde pequeños,
No sé como voy a seguir lo que me queda de jornada si ya no estás.

Esas experiencias que vivimos juntos: tu siempre guiándome,
yo siempre agradecido por tu cuidado para conmigo.
Siempre alerta para rescatarme si alguien intentara hacerme mal,
listo siempre para que emprendiéramos la siguiente aventura
en la que tú eras el guía, yo alegre, seguía tus pasos seguía.

En Zitácuaro siempre juntos la vida nos sorprendía,
eras mi ejemplo para ambos salir corriendo a vender el periódico del día.
En el mercado no había imposibles que nos impidieran completar nuestras travesuras.
Para ti no existían barreras y llevándome de la mano siempre me dirigías.
Ahora, como voy a seguir sin el árbol protector que tú siempre fuiste.

No cabe duda que nuestra madre nos formó para siempre protegernos
uno al otro, aunque a decir verdad, tu siempre fuiste el protector y no porque
me faltara valor, pero, a que bonito era sentir tu protección.
Que bonito conocer las calles de la gran ciudad, caminando en busca de trabajo
por la céntrica avenida San Juan de Letrán, aunque pocas veces con suerte,
pues casi nunca encontramos chamba.

Compañeros de fabrica fuimos, tú siempre muy formal y yo siempre aprendiendo de ti. José Luis Cortés Correa (Pepe) nació el
Al futbol le entramos, pero con la condición que los dos alineáramos. 19 de octubre, 1945 en Zitácuaro, Mi-
Tus regaños me enseñaron que aún en el juego hay que ser puntual, choacán y falleció el 19 de abril, 2020.
y así con la frente en alto por el mundo caminar. Vivió sus años de infancia con la fa-
Sin ti, será mas complicada la vereda continuar. milia hasta que se mudaron a la ciudad
de México a finales de los 50s. Se casó
Que alegría cuando el sol en el horizonte otros rumbos para nosotros iluminó, con Ma. del Refugio Chaires Tapia de LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 •
con la venia de nuestra madre y el aliento de nuestras hermanas Zacatecas y meses después emigraron
el futuro que nos esperaba por estas tierras menos tedioso vendría a Chicago, Illinois. Sus Hijos e hija son:
y con tu amorosa compañía no había obstáculo que nuestra meta truncara. David, Adríán, Omár y Brenda, todos
Cuando tus ocupaciones nos separaban, me recomendabas que no me preocupara, ellos excelentes hijos e hijas. QEPD
Pues, si fuera necesario al momento llegabas.

Cuídate mucho! siempre me recomendabas. Mi bienestar siempre te preocupaba.
Tus palabras, de aliento y regocijo me invadían para seguir mi día.
Me conforta saber que ya estas con nuestras hermanas, nuestros hermanos
y nuestros padres que ya celebrando están tu llegada.
Pero sin ti Chicago ya no es la misma morada.

Tu sonrisa alegre, franca y sincera todo aliviaba
Tu brillante mirada era la linterna que siempre descubría cuando algo me solía aquejar.
¡Cuídate hermanito!… no te vaya a pasar nada. Siempre me recomendabas.
Tu cariñosa recomendación en mi mente siempre viaja
¡Ay!… Pero ahora que voy hacer

Sin tu compañía, más difícil será el día a día…Te quiero hermano

Y tu presencia siempre conmigo la quiero tener, hasta el día que en alguna parte

del universo volvamos a trascender.

Mientras tanto, tu protección y tu cobijo no los voy perder.

Y tu canción favorita “Tu cabeza en mi hombro” de tu rocanrolero favorito

Enrique Guzmán, siempre te cantaré.

Hasta pronto hermano. —Victor Cortes

7

Juanita Rosas Delgado

1915 - 2019

As I sit in front of her dressing table, I am transported back to tias moved to San Antonio,too. Working in the garment factories

my childhood. I use to love playing with her earrings. Unfortu- gave them an income plus a social life. On one occasion, Pedro

nately I lost most of them. I  see mom as a young farm girl of Infante gave a Mother’s Day concert at the  Municipal Auditorium.

20 coming to San Antonio as a newlywed in 1935.She waited that Our Tia Chelo told her coworkers that she was taking her mom to

long to get married after seeing her older sister marry young and the concert and that she would dance with him. Sure enough, Pedro

bear children year after year. She saw the toll it took on her health. Infante was serenading the mothers and asked grandma to dance.

Mom would have been happy to stay on the farm but Dad did not She was so shy and said she did not dance. Tia was quick to say

want to be a farmer. He loved music and hoped to earn a living at it. that she did and got her dance with him. She smiled at her friends

So mom became a city girl.  in the audience as she danced by them. I asked mom why she didn’t

She remembers her first sight of San Antonio. They drove past go. Her reply was that Dad reminded her that she was a married

the Plaza de Zacate which was full of Christmas lights  and music. woman with children and should be home taking care of them.

It was an impressive welcome to their new home. Both worked Mom had fond memories of her

at the Elizondo Flower Shop at first. Then they set off to build a time as a sewing machine operator.

house for themselves. Dad was a strolling musician at the Plaza Her job was hard and they were paid

and played with other groups. Once the babies came he had to get a by the piece. Unions were discour-

steady job.  aged. Her income helped complete

Mom was told by neighbors of job opportunities at the local our house. She would even be up

garment factories. San Antonio was at the peak of the ready-to- there hammering alongside our dad.

wear industry. One of the biggest factories was Basila Frocks. Her After a week of sewing, she treated us

last job was for Jay N in that same building. One of the perks was kids and herself to a trip downtown.

being able to purchase the imperfect stock at a discount.  I loved Hot dogs and sharing a Nehi at Pete’s

my pinafores and fancy dresses. Every Easter and Christmas we got Hot Dogs and then off to the Alam-

the entire ensemble, a hat, dress and new shoes. Mom would re- eda. It was magical walking into the

mind me of how I loved my charoles, the patent leather shoes. She theatre. I was enthralled by the Art

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 • was very insistent on matching shoes and purses for us and herself. Deco interior. The black light murals

Even when she reached 100, she adhered to that rule. on the walls reflected the history of

The crowning touch was the hat. People dressed up more back Mexico and Texas. The entertainment

then. Dad always wore a fedora. Then our grandma and two of our on stage was even more spectacular. Either a film from the Epoca

de Oro or live entertainment. One of my favorite spots

was the ladies lounge. There was a mirrored wall with

stools that extended across the room. I sat there watch-

ing the women primp in the mirror. I, too, felt glamor-

ous. Then it was back to sit with the family. I continued

to go with mom to the

Alameda well past my

teens. Just like I went

with her to see Miguel

Aceves Mejia, she went

with me to see Raphael.

Those were happy

times. 

I find comfort in

knowing that mom lived

a long and full life. She

was the neighborhood

Plant Lady and a church

lady, too. Thinking of

her makes me a smile.

Love you mom. ❤️

–Rachel Delgado,

Juanita & her two daughters in front of their Westside family home holding This Place Matters Teatro Esperanza

signs.

8

Pedro Delgado FLOR dE PITA

1910 – 2003 A Homage to my mother,

I am a daddy’s girl. Us, kids, Concepción O. Elizarde
were all born at least 5 years
apart so I felt that I had Dad Passing by your house
all to myself. Dad grew up on Only a hollow shell remains
a farm in Flatonia, Texas. He A carcass of memories in shadows
and mom were children when Tus plantitas are long gone
they met at a family wedding. And the Gulf winds strip away daily at the paint
Mom was eating an ice cream Only the stoic Ébano remains
and dad came up to her and A silent witness to your glorious life
licked it. Mom told her broth-
ers but they just stuck out their Juanita & Pedro Delgado Choosing not to engage in the ancient death rituals
tongues at him. From then on, they took notice of each Of my ancestors that could help release this
other. Dad and his brother, Jorge, provided music at many Deep well of sadness, I am stuck in the black void
family gatherings. Dad played the bajo sexto and Jorge Estoy en Luto.
sang. At 20, he moved to San Antonio and lived with his
older sister working at her flower shop. He studied with I yearn to call out to you just once,
Maestro Mandufano and performed in the community. He “¡Amaaaaaa! ¡Ya llegue!
also tried writing songs and for a while was with a group ¡Que Bueno hija, Gracias a Dios!”
called Los Zapatas. They went to do a recording. Dad was
disappointed when they told him “just play, do not sing”. I am afraid
That was his life as a musician.  Tengo miedo.
The clarity of collective memories
When they began married life they became very Fading like white cirrus clouds
involved in the community as founding members of St.
Augusta Catholic Church. Dad was President of the Holy Pero este valle de nopal y mesquite Concepción O. Elizarde LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 •
Name Society and was also a CYO baseball coach with
the St. Augusta Braves. A favorite memory is about shar- Calls me back to these fleeting glimpses:
ing hot dogs with dad during games at the old Mission
Stadium. Another favorite pastime was sitting next to Dad Ya mero va florear La Pita, hija. A ver cuando vienes al Valle
watching TV— the Untouchables or a Western. We had
many talks about gangsters and prohibition afterwards. Las comadres y yo vamos a tener estas comidas de Cuaresma:

Dad worked as a house painter doing a lot of the inte- Flor de Pita, nopalitos, frijoles refritos, chile del monte, arroz,
rior stenciling and decorative arts in some of the city’s his-
toric buildings and would often take us on Sunday drives atole con cilantro y capirotada

to show us the places he Entice me away from the business of my life.
worked at. He greatly
admired the work that And the laughter of your Comadre Pilar
Walter Mathis was doing As she watched me pelar nopales painstakingly
restoring homes in the While her arthritic hands were able to clean the prickly pads
King William area. That’s With Fluidity, grace and speed
what inspired my interest Is forever etched in my heart.
in historic preservation.
Your voice in Ehecatl calls out to me,
Mom and Dad “Do not grieve for me forever
continue to live in our For I have already arrived.
hearts. Dad always made Is it not a fact that you no longer see my bodily presence
the funniest comments. In your dreams”?
One day we all piled into
the car and he declined “Be happy for me. Bask in my joy.
to join us. His No me vayan a traer flores a mi tumba.
granddaughter, ¿Pa que”?
Amy, asked why...
He paused Instead, Bless yourself with the medicine of her pencas
and looked
at her and said “ the dogs do not give And don’t forget to look for me each Spring
change”. —Rachel Delgado
In her—while blossoms, soon turning brown, fall into the bosom of

The dark Earth—dissolving into dust.

—Margarita Elizarde 9

MADRE QUERIDA y HERMOSA

Sylvia M. Gómez
January 27, 1957-February 2, 2021.

Charles C. Mellinger, aka, “Manzer” Mi madre querida…hasta su último
1962-2020 suspiro estaba pensando en su familia.
Desde el cielo está protegiendo a to-
In 1982, Charles was getting ready to go back to college dos nosotros. Fuieste y serás la Madre
mas bella con un corazón que latío por
at Washington State University in Pullman, to continue stud- nuestro Señor Jesu Cristo. Nosotros
la extrañamos muchísimo y el amor
ies in the veterinary program. His roommate Pete flew in from que nos dio siempre vivirá en nuestros
corazónes y nuestras memorias. Hasta
Connecticut and stayed with Charles and his family so the two el Paraiso del Cielo mando un beso
y un abrazo fuerte. Te amo mi Reyna
could drive together to Pullman. On September 7, they went to Madre y te extraño mucho. 

the movies; on their way home, a drunk —Sylvia Aleman & family

driver crashed into their car. Pete was Madre hermosa, eras una persona muy especial. Te amo mucho y
cada día mi corazón está triste porque yo te extraño mucho. Estas
killed instantly and Charles was taken en mi corazón cada día. Tu eres un ángel especial. Y un día yo
voy estar contigo y yo tendré muchos abrazos para ti. ¡Te amo
to the hospital with a head injury and madre!

shattered pelvis. He woke from his

coma six weeks later.

After a year in rehab, Charles lived

at home with his parents for 33 years. —Tiffany M.Gómez & family

During that time he was a volunteer

reader at a grade school and at LeMay

car museum. He went on a family trip

to Hawaii with his parents. Lisa and Charles’ mother died in Remembering
Cindy Wilmore
2009 and their father in 2017. Charles moved to Franke Tobey
Cindy Lou Wilmore will forever
LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 • Jones Senior Living Community 5 years ago where he made be tied to memories of the Esperanza
Center’s Peace Market. Through-
many friends. Some of his favorite things were word search out the first decade of the Mercado,
Cindy made significant folk art
puzzle books, playing dominoes, traveling to Long Beach, going contributions to the Esperanza. Her
love of Mexico took her to many
to concerts at the Puyallup fair, eating fish and chips, cheesecake villages and towns where artisans
relied on her connections to sell their
and lasagna. He loved to collect pigs, and make people laugh! wares. Early on, Esperanza began
bringing some of those folk artists to
He was always positive and cheerful. He wrote in journals of the annual Peace Market starting with the famous potter, Dolores
Parra of Oaxaca in 2002. Although Cindy was not part of Peace
his observations on life and what happeneddaily in his life. He Market in recent years, she continued her forays into Mexico. In
one of her journeys on her way to New Mexico, Cindy stopped in
loved his mom and dad, our family. His beloved sister, Lisa, and Alpine, Texas coming off the AMTRAK train she was travelling
in and stepped into oncoming traffic, only to be struck down by a
his friend and caregiver of 15 years, Jerry Stephenson, were with passing auto. She succumbed to her injuries on April 10, 2019 at
the age of 70. We shall always remember Cindy and be grateful
him holding his hands and loving him as he peacefully left this for those initial donations made on the evening of Thanksgiving
before the Mercado de Paz opened—we would pick up the bas-
world on his journey into the heart of God.” kets of donations and unpack them with surprise and delight. A
passionate international social justice advocate, Cindy Wilmore
—Lisa Mellinger will long be remembered. ¡Cindy Wilmore, Presente!

Blind Love –Gloria A.Ramírez

My little dog, eyes
now milky with cataracts
stirs in my lap.
She lifts her face
to study mine.
Her head turning, searching
for something and I
am reminded of my blind grandmother,
holding my face
between her rough hands,
turning it to the light,
Then touching my mouth
until I whisper
“I love you, Bubby.”

10 —Marilyn Wallner

Gratitude – Agradecimiento
1921 Flood Tribute

The names of the 1921 San Antonio Flood victims were read aloud next to the mobile altar. Sylvia Reyna of the San Antonio Public
Library Genealogy Dept. led a tour of San
In gratitude for the knowledge, creativity, energy, intellect, ideas, Fernando Cemetery #2 where 1921 SA
voice, time, artistic talent, skills, culinary arts, planning, presence, flood victims are buried. Manuel Garza a
commitment, and love the compañer@s listed below gave to organiz- family member of victims listens at left.
ing the Emma Tenayuca Speakers Series Symposium Commemorating
the 1921 Flood that devastated the Westside, permitting us to remem-
ber and honor those who died in that flood. The poetic voice of Albert
Rios best expresses the meaning of your giving. —Antonia Castañeda

Carmen Tafolla recites a poem to honor When Giving Is All We Have
the 1921 San Antonio Flood victims.

We give because someone gave to us. But we read this book, anyway, over and again: LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 •
We give because nobody gave to us.
Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
We give because giving has changed us. Mine to yours, yours to mine.
We give because giving could have changed us.
You gave me blue and I gave you yellow.
We have been better for it, Together we are simple green. You gave me
We have been wounded by it—
What you did not have, and I gave you
Giving has many faces: It is loud and quiet, What I had to give—together, we made
Big, though small, diamond in wood-nails.
Something greater from the difference
Its story is old, the plot worn and the pages too,
—Alberto Rios
We thank you for giving all you have

AARP Donna Guerra, WPA Gera Morin & Vanessa Quesada Graciela Sánchez, 11
Dudley Brooks Diana Hernández Char Miller —Esperanza Peace and Justice Center
Barbara Aguirre María Theresa Hernández Jorge Piña, John Phillip Santos
Veronica Aquirre Gilberto Hinojosa —Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Irma Solis
Enrique Aleman, Trinity University Gloria Hinojosa Gloria Ramírez, Elizandro Carrington Carmen Tafolla
—Center for Educational Leadership Ana Juárez and La Voz de Esperanza Trinity University Press
The Honorable Teri Castillo, Amy Kastely, EPJC Robert Ramírez Leticia Sánchez & Amelia Valdez.
—Councilwoman, District 5 Elvira Leal, Norma Reyes —Historic Westside Residents
Rosie Castro —UTSA Office of Community Ramiro Reyes
María De La Cruz Sylvia Reyna, San Antonio Public Library Association
Sarah Zenaida Gould, Relations Blanca Rodríguez y familia Victoria Villaseñor
—Mexican American Civil Rights Institute Arturo Madrid Mary Agnes Rodríguez Kenneth Walker
Claudia Guerra, Roland Mazuca Natalie Rodríguez, EPJC Westside Preservation Alliance (WPA)
—Office of Historic Preservation Michael Marínez Imane Saliba, EPJC Tomás Ybarra-Frausto (WPA)
Ray Morales

Recent Departures

TheresaA.Rodríguez Maria Theresa Nese

August 4, 1944 - October 10, 2021 February 17, 1954 - October 29, 2021

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 • Theresa A. Rodríguez born on August 4, After a seven-year battle with
1944 in San Antonio, Texas was called multiple myeloma, Maria Nese died
to her eternal rest on October 10, 2021.  at home leaving her beloved son,
One of six children, Theresa, known as Thomas Nese of San Antonio, fam-
“Aunt Nini,” grew up in the Christ the ily, friends and colleagues behind to
King parish and remained dedicated remember her. A longtime Old Forge,
to the church all her life working as a PA resident, Maria made her mark in
volunteer, lector, choir leader, Council San Antonio as an educator receiv-
member and faithful Eucharistic min- ing her Master’s of Social Work from
ister. She was honored with the Lumen OLLU. Maria came to Texas in her
Gentium Award in 2015 —bestowed on 20s as part of Volunteers for Educa-
Catholic lay people by the Archdiocese tional and Social Services (VESS)
of San Antonio. Theresa was a graduate to work with low-income Catholic
of Providence High School and received her B.A. in Elemen- school families. Seeing the impact
tary Education at OLLU. She was one of the first recipients of a her work made, she decided to stay here where she taught P.E.,
Master’s degree in Bilingual Education from UTSA. A dedicated then 4th grade, and finally 2nd grade. Some of her best memo-
teacher at Bowie Elementary in SAISD for 37 years, she taught ries and friends were made on the field and in the classroom,
2nd, 3rd and 4th grade children, many from immigrant fami- including her closest friend turned-family and her son’s adop-
lies. She loved traveling in Europe, pilgrimages to the Holy Land tive grandmother, Diana Rivas. Maria’s passions spanned from
and had recently completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain. music to gardening, reading and sports. An active member of the
She also loved to sing and had an incredible sense of style. The- San Antonio Area Retired Teachers Association, the Oasis choir
resa was preceded in death by her parents, Apolinar R. and Sixta and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society support groups, her
A. Rodríguez. The Esperanza staff, board and Buena gente extend retirement years were filled with peace, joy and comfort. In spite
heartfelt condolences to her family and community especially to of her battle with cancer, she never lost who she was and lived
Maria Antonietta Berriozábal, her sister, who was her best friend. life to the fullest. The Esperanza staff, board and Buena gente
Theresa touched many people throughout her life and her light extend condolences to Maria’s family, friends (especially, Grace
will continue to shine for all who knew and loved her. ¡Theresa Rosales) and colleagues. The memory of her smile will remain in
A. “Nini” Rodríguez, presente! Que en paz descanse. our hearts.¡Maria Theresa Nese, presente! Rest in peace.

Raymond Morales Guerra, Jr. who preceded him in death in 2007. And , he was devoted to his
oldest sister, Loretta Guerra Woodruff, NYC, deceased in 2003.
August 19, 1946 – November 6, 2021 Raymond loved to cheer on the Chicago Bears, listen to music,
bake his famous cheesecake for Thanksgiving and tell corny
Raymond Morales Guerra, Jr., jokes. He is survived by the light of his life, his daughter, Anita
beloved son, father, grandfather, Guerra Pleasant and grandsons Adrian, Christopher and Steven.
brother, uncle, and great-uncle Raymond was the brother of Susan Guerra, co-founder of the Es-
has joined his parents and sister in peranza Peace and Justice Center who now lives in Norway and
eternal peace. A Vietnam vet, he Donna Guerra, archivist for the Esperanza. Read his full obituary
was the oldest of six siblings and at www.angelusfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, in memory
owned an accounting business. of his sister Loretta, please donate to https://ecan.org/give-the-
He attended Central Catholic gift-of-hope/ The board, staff and Buena Gente of the Esperanza
and was in the first graduating extends our heartfelt condolences to Raymond’s family and
accounting class from UTSA. friends. He leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, and laugh-
He always tended to his entire ter—something we can all aspire to be like. ¡Raymond Morales
family caring for his mother and Guerra, Jr. presente! Que en paz descanse.

12 father, Ernestine Morales Guerra
and Raymond Garza Guerra,

Richard Moerchen, the plant man Richard died October 2, 2021. In his last years, he couldn’t

May 21, 1934 – October 2, 2021 grow plants. Despite dementia, he lived at home, with Barbara’s

By Kamala Platt and home healthcare assistance. Granddaughters were important

Before San to him—Petra had joined us the last year at Peace Market; her
Antonio was
declared Mon- sister Elfi was born just 8 months ago.
arch Cham-
pion City, I met This summer, Richard’s plants were among those defying
Richard Mo-
erchen through code compliance’s 12-inch
a quest for
milkweed for rule and my memories of
Monarch cat-
erpillars who our good times exchanging
Richard with his granddaughter at Esperanza’s Peace Market. had eaten their
way through plants and plant wisdom
mine. After finding no milkweed for sale in nurseries, I decided
to try a place I’d seen on Oakway, off of Evers Road where a sign helped keep me going
told me there were “Plants.” With no one around, I made my way
through rows of attractive plants on tables in the shade of a cano- when my Garden of Good
py of trees back to a greenhouse where, amongst green growth, I
found milkweed! I left a note, my phone # and $4. Later, Richard Trouble came under siege.
called. After that, I visited him in his canopy amidst the plethora
of plants, working on seedlings, or visiting with customers. Richard’s spirit of green
Eventually, we collaborated on a Peace Market plant table.
His daughter, Margaret, made business cards from photos of his reciprocity is the legacy
plant art—distinctive succulents, house plants, natives, veggies,
bonsai, plants in ceramic animals, plants you’d never seen before and the future of Esperanza
and those you’d been looking for all over town. Richard supplied
San Antonians with plants for decades: I learned from his wife, as hope for us all. Read Richard and his plants at the Peace Market.
Barbara. that they had sold plants at flea markets when they were
first married, over 40 years ago. more & offer a remem-

brance, especially if you made a home for one of Richard’s

plants at bit.ly/Moerchen.

Editor’s note: The Esperanza family extends heartfelt
condolences to Richard’s family and friends. A devout Catholic
serving as a Marianist for 25 years, he was a lifelong ecologist,
scientist and educator who dedicated his time to growing plants
in recent years—at which time Richard with Kamala began to
sell plants at the Esperanza’s annual Peace Market where he
will always be missed. ¡Richard Moerchen, presente!

Candelaria Sánchez style, her strength in spirit and most of all for her love of family LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 •
and friends. She grew up in the West Side of San Antonio gradu-
February 2, 1931-September 30, 2021 ating from Sidney Lanier High School. She eventually began a
career as a receptionist for the Salvation Army of San Antonio. At
Surrounded by family, Candelaria (Cande) peacefully passed her memorial service, the Salvation Army personnel lauded her
away just months after her beloved sister, Isabel Sánchez, passed contributions to the organization that included continued service
away this summer. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, as a member of their Women’s Auxiliary where she volunteered
Adrian Sánchez, Jr. (Chito), brother of Enrique Sánchez, recently in their annual Christmas drives, Doll and Bear Show, Fiesta
widowed. Ironically, the two brothers were left as widowers to Fashion Show and more. In her youth, she was a member of Our
be cared for by their children. Cande is survived by her children Lady of Guadalupe Church but had recently became a member of
the International Bible Church where she was part of the sewing
Marta (Gra- circle and helped with the food pantry.She was remembered as
ham), Eric (Ve- a devoted and faithful congregant. Candelaria always put forth
ronica), Stella a beautiful countenance that lit up the world around her. Her
(Eddie), and wisdom, strength, and love were passed on to all who knew her.
Deanna (Kevin); She will be held dear in the hearts of her loved ones. Anyone who
her grandchil- wishes to honor Candelaria please donate to the Salvation Army
dren and many and/or the International Bible Church both in San Antonio, TX.
nieces, neph- May her memory continue to be strong in the lives of her family
ews, family and
friends. She 13and the many who were touched by her generosity of spirit. ¡Can-
was known
for her sense delaria Sánchez, presente!
of humor, her

PLAYBILL

María Alejandra
“Lartista” Ibarra

December 26, 1975 – October 16, 2021

The teatro community of San Antonio was and Empanada (2006) by Anel Flores—all staged
dealt a serious blow when Maria Alejandra
Ibarra—songwriter, poet, playwright, director, at the Esperanza among other venues. At the heart
arts educator and performer—passed away on
October 16, 2021. A graduate of South San High of María’s art was activism and social justice with
School, she is survived by her husband Michael
Marks and her son, Solstíz “Sol” Ibarra-Campos stories of immigrants, environmentalism, Mexi-
who often performed with her on stage. María
was known for tackling challenging subjects can-American culture, indigenous practices, social
and creating space for diverse voices not usually
seen on mainstream stages. She began produc- commentary, bilingualism, feminism and lgbtq+
ing shows in D.I.Y. spaces after graduating from
Incarnate Word University with a B.A. in Theatre. experiences. As a bilingual artist, María shined in
Along with Eli Rios, Sol’s father, María was
founder of the MadMedia/Reset Collective that her work with groups such as Teatro Audaz. As
produced performance parties on a homemade
stage in their backyard (now Sala Diaz) during First Friday a teacher, she impacted the lives of youth at the
art walks in the late 90s. A highlight of their career was their
Bay Area tour of What Are You Doing Tonight? at the Teatro San Antonio YMCA, Jump-Start Performance
Campesino in San Juan Bautista. In one of her most personal
Company and at Edison High School where she
works, María wrote and directed
Scars in 2010 at the Esperanza was Theatre director for 11 years. She also worked
exposing her early battles with
cancer. Throughout her carrer with Grupo Ánimo,
she directed and originated many
the Guadalupe The-
roles that challenged traditional
Chicanx values with plays like atre’s Youth Teatro
Jotos del Barrio (2014) and Miss
America (2009) by Jesus Alonzo Troupe. María

María wrote, directed & acted in many leaves a lasting legacy of ac-
plays including Empanada by Anel Flores.
tivism for justice with the

many students she taught.

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 • A com- munity tribute at the

Espe- ranza Peace and

Justice Center in November
brought María wrote, directed & starred in Scars. many artists, actors

and activists together to mourn her loss and celebrate her life with

unending accolades. The Esperanza staff, board and Buena gente

are saddened that María is no longer with us, but we believe that

her creative spirit and passion for social justice work will live

on as her legacy in the work that we all vow to continue. Our

condolences to her family, friends and community of artists and

activists. ¡María Lartista Ibarra, presente!

Gracias to vendors, volunteers, shoppers, staff, board, and Buena gente who brought back the

32nd annual Peace Market/El Mercadito de 2021

¡Chiquito pero bonito! Such a pleasure to feel our gente around us at the Esperanza Center in la tiendita,

14 spilling out to the tents on Evergreen and into the patio. It was a great success, thanks to all! ¡Adelante con 2022!

Thank you Donors, for helping us to move forward

Aguilar, Janet Estevez, Jorge McGuire, Theodore Rop, Imgard LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 •
Aguilar, Richard Estevez-Juárez, Mabel McKenna, Gray Rulyak, Julie
Alamo, Carmen Fetta, Stephanie Megason, Diane Salazar, Mary R. 15
Alcocer, Diana Fialho, Alex Mejia, Jaime A. Salcido, Robert
Aleman, Enrique Figueroa, Andrea Mendoza, Louis Saldaña, Lilliana
Alvarado, Robert Louis Figueroa, Sandra Merryman, Tehana Saliba, Imane
Amador, Paul Flores, Crissy Susan Michael, Vincent L Saliba, Nadine
American Online Giving Floyd, Brent Miller, Maria Saliba, Patrick
Fly, Rosalinda Milroy, Casey Sánchez, Bernard
Foundation, Inc. Fraga, Felisha Miranda, Kayla Sánchez, Dee
Andrade, Sally J. Fuentes, Marla Monreal, Timothy Sánchez, Enrique
Andrews, Daniel Gallegos, G. Morales, Lee Sánchez, Graciela Isabel
Aranda, Frances García, Adriana Morales, Ray Sánchez, Gustavo
Arredondo, Richard García, Joleen Moreno, Elida Sánchez, Xavier
Atkins, Carolyn García, Rosemary Naik, Sapna Sánchez, Leticia Retamozo
Azzi, Michael Garza, Ray Nieto, Sandy J. Sanders, Jeanie
Bailey, Johnathan Gómez, David Nitsche, Carmen Sandoval, Gina
Barajas, Elvia Gonima, Francisco O’Campo, Angel Sanford, Gordon
Barceló, Nancy Greene, Maria, S. OCD Print Santibañez, Luissana
Barnicle, Sheri Grothues, Yvonne Ojeda, Maria A. Santos, Yolanda
Bautista, Jessica Guerra, Claudia Olivarez, Angelica Schubauer, Mary Beth
Bell, Axcelle Guerra, Donna Olsen, Janice Schultz, Betsy
Bella, Peter Guevara, Carlie Onabanjo, Oluremi Segura, Guadalupe
Belmares, DeeDee Guillen, Graciela Orr, William Segura, Susana
Billings, John Gutiérrez, Gloria Ortega, Herlinda Seidenfeld, John &
Blanton, Stewart Gutiérrez, Marcella Oswell, Charles
Breden, Hayley Hall, Jennifer Palomo-Ramón, Melissa Barad, Mary
Brinkley, Michele Haynes, Michaele Parker, Cassandra Shaheen, Lins
Brown, John Hays-Pierce, Mary Passenger, Lindsey Shaughnessy, Patricia
Bueno, Marianne Hernández, Mari Paul, Vivian Singler, Roger
Burnside, Rita Hinojosa, Ed Peña, Jr. David Smith, Barbara
Cablao, Elena N Hopkins, Diane Pérez, Eyra Smith, Rhett
Cabral, Mary Houston, Schulman Sylvia Pérez, Hector Smith, William & Deems
Camargo, Dallana Huber, Elizabeth Pérez, Jezzika Sperling, Rick
Campos, Dolores Jennings, Rachel Pérez, Lourdes Squier, Chuck
Cantú, Corina Jones, Krystal Perretta, Vanessa Steves, Christina
Cantú, Norma E. Juárez, Eduardo Pinkvoss, Joan Stevens, Lillian
Carry, Laurel Kang, Mia Plouf, Paul Suárez, Lisa
Castañeda, Antonia Kastely, Amy Plumer, Dena Suárez, Mary
Castro, Rose M Kastely, Christina Popielarz, Kaitlin Talamante, Olga
Chadwick, Jesse S. Kent, Jack Prescott, Victoria Tejeda, Juan
Chasnoff, Leslie Konschak-Ives, Susan Prieto, Luz M Teneyuca, Sharyll
Chávez, Marisela Koperski, Thomas Prosper, Erika Tovar, Mary C
Christ, William Korson, Kimberly Quispe, Mario Tran, Jacinda
Codina, Yasmin Landín, N. Geremy Racca-Sittre, Debbie Treviño, Roberto
Cook, Gillian E Lawhn, Juanita Luna Ramírez, Ana Trujillo, Fred
Corbin, Kimberley Leahy, Elaine Ramírez, Gloria A. Trujillo, Magdalena
Corso, Amie Leibowitz, Ruth Ramos, Lisa Urquijo-Ruiz, Rita
Courtney, James Leos, Elizabeth Reyna, Sylvia Valdez, Amelia
Covarrubia, Sylvia Lindemann, Siena Reyna-Sánchez, Rosamaria & Valdez, Yolanda
Cruz, Rosa López, Alejandra Valverde, Peter
D Jacie López, Rebecca Coindreau, Marianna R. Vásquez, Nicole
Dammers, Kathryn López, Jr. Juan Rhoads, Jeni Villarreal, Helen
D’Armata, Annette Loseff, Mia Rivera, Blanca Vogt, Eric
De León, Imelda O. Madrid, Arturo Robbins, Margaret Wallace, Ann Huddleston
De Luna, Celeste Maldonado, Helen Robinson, Deanna West, Heidi
Deal, Lauren Marck, Eugene Rodríguez, Beverly Wilson, Liliana
Del Hierro, Sonia Martin, Deborah Rodríguez, Carol Wimberly, Ruth
Delgado, Rachel Martínez, Consuelo Rodríguez, Cindy Woo, Junda
DeTurk, Sara Martínez, Rachel Rodríguez, Mariela Young, Ivy
Dueñas, Alma Martínez, Rosa Rodríguez, Natalie Zabala, Guillermina
Dunn, Sandra Mason, Gladys Rodríguez, Queta Zarco, Erika
El-Zabri, Haithem Mau, Nava Rodríguez, Sonia Zentella, Yoly
Elder, John Mayer, Joel A Rodríguez, Jr. Raymond Zimmerman, Sarah
Elizabeth, Claire Mazuca, Roland Rogers, Bret Zuniga, Alejandra
Elizarde, Margarita McGuire, Meredith & Spickard, Jim Romero, Toni y mas!
Escamilla, Marina Root, Aaron

LA VOZ de ESPERANZA • Dec 2021 | Jan 2022 Vol. 34 Issue 10 •

https://dreamweek.org/events

Annual MLK March in SA Noche Azul

Monday, January 17, 2022 Canción Social

january 2022 schedule Saturday, January 22, 2021 at 8 PM CT
bit.ly/mlk-sa bit.ly/DreamWeek2022

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

Start 2022 With A Tax Deductible San Antonio, TX
Gift Permit #332

Give to the Esperanza in spirit of solidarity so Haven’t opened La Voz in a while? Prefer to read it online? Wrong address?
we can continue to speak out, organize and TO CANCEL A SUBSCRIPTION EMAIL [email protected] CALL: 210.228.0201
fight for our communities for another 30 Years.
Your support is needed NOW more than ever!

Thank you for your gifts!
Send donations to Esperanza

Esperanza Peace
And Justice Center

922 San Pedro Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78212
To sign up as a monthly donor,
Call 210.228.0201 or email:
[email protected]
Visit www.esperanzacenter.org/donate for
online giving options. ¡Mil Gracias!

Esperanza’s Handmade

Holiday items from
Tiendita
local and
Diseocpeemnbtehrru23!
international
Find The Perfect
Gift For Friends artisans
Or Family!
with jewelry,

tapetes, clay

figures and a

new collection

of rebozos!

Plus books,

CDs, T-shirts,

Call 210 228.0201 for schedule or an appointment or Liliana Wilson-
order directly from the tiendita website, cards & more!
www.tiendita.esperanzacenter.org


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