I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Art Lawyer Eduardo Juarez, the dedicated team at the Bexar Area Harm Reduction Coalition, and Main Street America for their generous commissioning of this mural, which serves as a powerful testament to community advocacy, resilience, and the diverse narratives of individuals deeply rooted in San Antonio’s West Side. This mural beautifully highlights the strength and hope that our community embodies.

Maria Saldiva is portrayed uplifting a birdhouse, symbolizing the significance of selflessness and the act of supporting one another. Alongside her, a cardinal flies, representing the enduring love of those we’ve lost, reminding us that their spirit lives on within us.

Señor Cruz, a local food vendor, exemplifies the essence of working-class entrepreneurship, reflecting the pride and diligence that characterize many in our community.

The collaboration of Jose Arredondo and Kaldric Deshon Dow illustrates the power of cultural exchange and unity.

The dandelion serves as a poignant metaphor for marginalized communities, encapsulating their resilience in the face of adversity while evoking a sense of childlike wonder and hope for a brighter future.

In the final section of the mural, Angie Rocha and Mary Alice Ledesma emphasize the crucial importance of healing generational trauma. The background, featuring flowing bodies of water, symbolizes our interconnectedness, irrespective of our individual struggles or journeys, while the Quetzal bird represents a liberated future.

This mural, situated at La Guerra Longue on the West Side of San Antonio, took approximately a month to complete. Such an achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions and support from a diverse group of artists and friends. I extend special thanks to @deathtocontent , @avocado.mariposa , @seca_llc , @whatsup_dez, @thewizardsatx , @lewsr, @ink.by.sofi , @venxsinfleur , @uncannyvalleyo , @wolfo_the_clown , and many others who generously shared their time, talent, and enthusiasm to bring this project to fruition. Your contributions are deeply appreciated.