Decolonizing Public Space to Reflect an Evolving Region

“The future of public space and equity requires spatial healing and atonement. We cannot move forward without spatially acknowledging our past. ”

— ChristinaMaria Xochitlzihuatl Patiño Houle

Las Imaginistas are a Rio Grande Valley-based arts collective; its current members include Ruben Garza, Bere Cruz Marquez, and ChristinaMaria Xochitlzihuatl Patiño Houle. The group was founded by Celeste De Luna, Nansi Guevara, and ChristinaMaria Xochitlzihuatl Patiño Houle. Much of their work takes place in the public realm and centers female and queer perspectives. We asked them for their thoughts on public space and equity in Brownsville. —Lizzie MacWillie, Kelsey Menzel, Jesse Miller, and Josué Ramirez, Brownsville Undercurrents editors