GOLDEN THREADS
ORAL HISTORY
Golden Threads Oral History is the work of Lila Maes-Shah as part of her R.A.I.C.E.S. Fellowship. This self guided walking tour of altar installations highlights the lives and contributions of ancestral “everyday heroes” in our community.
Altars were installed in seven spaces in the Mission District from October through November 5th, 2023. Each altar installation had a QR code leading to this page where stories are told of each person being honored in the altar.
Through this oral history we share the vibration of these hearts who so lovingly created a part of the tapestry of our community and helped form what it is today. We lost you, but have not forgotten you… ❤️
Our Ancestor Amilca
Amilca Ysabel Mouton-Fuentes was a fierce warrior who passed too early from leukemia. She was a brilliant activist. In seventh grade, she led a school walkout for the acquittal of the police officers in the Rodney King beating. She attended UC Berkley, where she met her husband. She birthed her son Azul and continued to create until the end. Her mural, To All Indigenous People, Made Prisoners In Their Own Land, now lives on in the Clarion Alley Mural Project archive.
AcCión Latina Gallery & Window
2958 24th Street/Alabama ST
“If I could assign her an element, it would be fire.”
-Oriana Ides
Thank you Alex Arguellas and Oriana Ides for sharing your memories and love of Amilca. Altaristas: Yano Rivera y Lila Maes-Shah.
Our Ancestor Rox C Brown
Sarah Ramirez, aka Rox C Brown, was a prolific B-Girl who in her youth taught dance throughout the Mission from cultural centers, to schools, to after-school programs. In adulthood, she developed “The House of the Living Frequency” a space for people from all walks of life to dance and connect. The vibration of her love continues to resonate through all her encounters.
Mission Synths
3026 24th/Harrison
“Love Never Dies.”
- Rox C Brown
Thank you Yarrow and Kenny for your memories and Sally Kite for your power. Altarista: Lila Maes-Shah
Our Ancestor Alfonso
Alfonso Texidor was a poet and connector of beings. He had a thing for being in the community talking to all who he encountered. He was a resource to connect community and activate spaces.
Medicine for Nightmares
3036 24th st/Treat Ave
“I have personality.”
- Alfonso Texidor
Thank you Mabel for your knowledge. A huge thank you to Eva Martinez who shared all things Alfonso. You too are magic. Altarista: Lila Maes-Shah
Our Ancestor Carlos Loarca
Carlos was an enigmatic artist and leader. He created many unique art experiences, from cultural events at SOMARTS to painting the facade of the Mission Cultural Center. (Originally painted in 1982 by Loarca, Betsie Miller-Kusz, and Manuel Villamor.) He adorned the neighborhood with his cadejo, the spirit dog from Guatemalan folklore that protects the drunk. His love, kindness, and cultural curation are deeply felt and greatly missed.
Mission Cultural Center
2868 Mission St/25th ST
“Working with Carlos was a privilege!”
- Yano Rivera
Thank you, Dr Sonia and Yano, for your continued support of the arts, artist, and their histories. A big shout of thank you to Danielle Revivas for your install support and heart. Alteristas: Calixto Robles y Lila Maes-Shah
Our Ancestor The Tamale Lady SF
The Tamale Lady was a San Francisco institution. She was beloved and adored by many for her amazing tamales, late night nourishment, and heart given advice. Her encounters bred life and continuously fed the fire of nostalgia.
Artillery a.G.
2751 Mission St/23rd st
“I don’t know you, but I love you.”
- Virginia Ramos
Our Lady Of Tamale by Cecil B. Feeder
Big HUG to Gaia the Empress for all her roar and Chris Cancel’s sound skills! Altaristas: Ariana Martinez-Cruz y Lila Maes-Shah
Our Ancestor Sweet April
April Cotte was a magical being who taught outward bounds and honored the rhythms of nature. She was an advocate for games and a fighter for family and land injustices at the border. She was an ally for Indigenous communities in the Chihuhuan Desert.
Paxton Gate
824 Valencia St/19th ST
“Let’s go play!”
- April Cotte
Thank you so much Julie Dodd for all you do and all your insight. A big thank you to Evelyn Miller who always makes it happen! Altarista: Lila Maes-Shah
Our Ancestor Juan Pablo
Juan Pablo Gutierrez was a big personality who navigated all spaces in life and was the main organizer of the Mission Districts Dia de Los Muertos Procession and Rituals for many decades. He was a cultural curator and prolific artist. His ora took up the space in the room and made moves to keep the ritual sacred. You can listen to his Story Cormps Archive here.
Community Thrift SF
623 Valencia St/17th St
“When you don’t feel safe, think of a purple bubble of protection around you.”
- Juan Pablo
A very big thank you to Rosa De Anda for her continued dedication and love for all things magic. Altaristas: Lila Maes Shah, thank you “Sister” Gabriella Juarez for your Fashion Designs & Amber for your Flower Crowns
*A big heart of gratitude to Caleb Garcia and Sean Quigley at Paxton Gates, Brian and Gabriella Juarez at Community Thrift, Dhaivat Shah, Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore & Gallery, Tan Khanh Cao, Evelyn Donaji, Josiah Luis Alderete, Action Latina, Fatima Ramirez, Rebeca Flores, Kelly Ortega at Artillery Studio SF, The Tecolote Editors, Mike Dingle, Dr Martina Ayala and the Mission Cultural Center, Marc Jondall, and The Dope R.A.I.C.E.S. Fellows: Yano Rives, Ariana Martinez-Cruz, Calixto Robles.
MARIGOLD PROJECT
The Marigold Project serves the community by creating healing spaces connecting us to our ancestors and our impermanence in One Spirit. By providing cultural education, art and writing therapy workshops, and altar building skills connecting as a community, we honor the circle of life and death. We respect life by teaching our children who we are in the cosmos, our humanity, and the preservation of our planet.