Sign: Libra 

Hobby:  I like to prepare food, crafting 

Quote: “As long as there is capitalism on the planet, it will never be saved; because capitalism is contrary to life, ecology human beings, and women.” ― Berta Cáceres

Or “The moment when we are struggling and resisting is the best opportunity for movement building.” - Berta Cáceres

Relationship to community spot:

El local was a commercial spot that later transformed into a space where the people of the community could come together and discuss social issues. In 2015 Casa Solidaria Del Sur was a community autonomous space where I first learned how to work collectively and not for profit. 

Sign: Gemini

Hobby: Poet. Roller skater. Ballet folklorico instructor. Dancer. Swapmeet enthusiast.

Favorite quote:  “Don’t let them make you feel you did a crime for picking the vegetables they’ll be eating for dinner. If they stop you, if they try to pull you into the green vans, you tell them the birth certificates are under the feet of Jesus.” Helena Maria Viramontes

Relationship to community spot:

On late nights, the altar of La Virgen & San Judas greets me after a long drive back from school. While I’ve rejected religion most of my life, resentful of its patriarchal demands on my upbringing, I’ve rediscovered its comfort through the practice of spirituality. I draw on its spiritual ties to my ancestral motherland. It is proof that we find guidance in the feminine, with mothers as the anchors in the construction of Latino homes y el refugio de la fe para sostenernos. This holds true whether that guidance comes from Coatlicue or La Virgen de Guadalupe. I will be the first critic of faith, but one can’t deny its purpose as a passage to mindfulness for a community that often lacks access. Sirve como un signo de esperanza, un refugio espiritual against the constant threat of displacement.

Sign: Coatl (snake)

Hobbies: My hobbies consist of tormenting people on their political beliefs by questioning them, sewing, DIYs, watching movies, listening to music, and going to concerts.

Quote: “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido” - Quilapayún

“As revolutionaries, we don’t have the right to say we are tired of explaining. We must never stop explaining. We know that when people understand, they cannot help but follow us.” - Thomas Sankara

Relationship to community spot: Before gentrification came to tarnish our community, Edwards Cinema was my favorite place to go as I love watching movies. I remember its two stairways leading to its upper level along with its very 80’s carpet floor. Growing up this is where our youth would go to hangout. Good memories.

Sign: Capricorn

Interests: Reading, writing, organizing, performance art, music, being outside, bonfires

Favorite Quote: “El sistema capitalista hace que seá verdad la mentira y la verdad lo desmiente”-from a collective space in Caracol Oventik

Short Bio: Cehualli is a cultural organizer and artist from Apachiangna, Tovangaar aka South Montebello.

Sign: Virgo

Hobbies: Music

Favorite Quote: “Plant the seeds to trees whose shade you may never sit under.”

Community Spot: Progress Brewery

Queer and Chicano born and raised in El Monte with a strong will to uplift the people one day at a time. I spend too much time online, yet still manage to make genuine connections with people in real life. I lead with empathy and the belief that a better world is possible. 

Sign :Baggitarious

Hobby: Chronic scroller. Gamer4life. Enthusiasm enthusiast. Reader. Cam boy. Smoker. Sitter. Stander. 

Fav quote:

The community is my mirror. Through art I paint the reflection. 

Relationship to community spot:

This is the old location of memories of El Monte. Kinda fitting with the name of the space. I felt people here. Real people. Punk indie kids who didn’t fit in & sunflower jewelry makers. Senoras or señores popping out in their bikes after work. Make shift stands and new wave activism. It kissed the air for a night. I felt settled. I learned joy can be resistance.