http://esperanzacenter.org/

Esperanza Peace and Justice Center

About Esperanza Peace and Justice Center

Our History
Esperanza was founded in 1987 by a group made up of mostly Chicana activists seeking to bring together diverse movements for peace and justice in San Antonio and around the world. In the early years, the Esperanza was engaged in caravans to Central America, demonstrations against the KKK, mural projects that engaged children as artists, and the first art exhibit in Texas to focus on the Queer community and the AIDS crisis. Esperanza continues to be a politically progressive, outspoken, and unwavering force for justice in San Antonio and beyond.

For the last 30 years, the Esperanza has become a unique institution, having galvanized a multiracial, multicultural and bilingual cultural arts/social change community headed by Latinas, the majority of whom are lesbians. Esperanza is mujeres, Latinas, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and Whites. Esperanza is queer and straight. Esperanza is the economically disadvantaged trabajando junto con la gente de clase media. Esperanza is feminist, politically progressive, and outspoken. Esperanza is strong and overworked because we are people struggling to find new voices, new forms and new solutions to the problems oppressed people are facing.

Esperanza has also built a year-round calendar of arts and cultural programs intended to bring together diverse communities, bring a new political consciousness to community gatherings, and build solidarity among diverse groups and causes. Esperanza’s cultural programming continues to thrive, serving over 70,000 people each year through direct participation in arts and cultural events, including exhibitions, workshops, concerts, theater performances, film screenings, and more.

Reviews

Student Intern

August 2019 - December 2019 San Antonio, TX
“One of the most pleasant things about interning at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center was how warm and welcoming the staff treated the incoming interns. Each staff member took the time out of their day to explain what they did and how their ties to Esperanza began to create a connection with the organization and the new incomers. This friendly attitude was authentic as they were work passionately for the community through grass-roots activism. The duties varied from community outreach, group workshops, providing illustrations for their monthly newsletter, and attending community events to see their work flesh out. In addition, they were always understanding of unexpected events such as family emergencies and sickness and allowed days off for the interns with ease. ”
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