Art as Advocacy: The Power of Expression in the Fight for Housing
In a thought-provoking display, the South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN) leverages art to broaden awareness about the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood. Established over 25 years ago by Filipino leaders, SOMCAN's mission has always centered on tenant rights, anti-gentrification efforts, and immigrant rights. The exhibition titled MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy, currently showcased at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, emphasizes this continued advocacy through a mixed-media installation entitled We Live Here.
Tracing the Roots of Resistance
The word 'makibaka'—which translates to 'to struggle' or 'to resist'—encapsulates the spirit of collective action that defines the Filipino community's fight against displacement and gentrification. Raquel Redondiez, director of SOMA Pilipinas, elaborates on this connection, referencing how Filipino activists have historically employed art as a tool for protest, particularly during Ferdinand Marcos' regime in the Philippines. The exhibition features decades of struggle with current slogans like "Stop Deportations" intertwined with images and artifacts from the past, highlighting the ongoing plight for housing justice.
The Importance of Memory and Visibility
The installation art not only serves as a historical document but also aims to foster visibility for a community that often lacks recognition in public landmarks around San Francisco. Cherisse Alcantara, one of the artists featured, noted that while creating paintings of cultural touchstones, she struggled to find representations of Filipino history, ultimately depicting subtler aspects like banana trees or sites for language immersion. This quest for visibility resonates with the larger goal of acknowledging the long-standing contributions of Filipinos in the fabric of San Francisco.
Current Challenges and Community Solutions
Undoubtedly, the struggle for affordable housing isn't just a historic theme—it remains a pressing concern today. As the organizers of SOMA Pilipinas work closely with residents, their advocacy includes various aspects of community justice, like language rights and environmental concerns. Their efforts are essential in addressing systemic inequalities that continue to impact low-income families and immigrants. However, issues like rising rents and urban development pressures make it crucial for activists to raise awareness through creative means effectively.
Art's Role in Activism: A Look Forward
Goldberg emphasizes that artists don’t merely document social issues; they actively participate in the conversations surrounding them, using their craft to ignite change. The rich blend of contemporary and historical narratives in the MAKIBAKA exhibition not only reclaims Filipino history but demonstrates how art can strategically impact community organizing. The continued partnership between artists and activists ensures that the fight remains vibrant and relevant.
Bridging Generations: The Evolution of Activism
As younger generations engage with issues of cultural identity and social justice, the lessons of historical activism remain clear. This exhibition is not just a celebration of past struggles, but also an invitation for future activists to contribute to the movement. By keeping the spirit of makibaka alive, they ensure that the fight for housing rights is celebrated, remembered, and continued.
Join the Movement: How You Can Contribute
As the MAKIBAKA: A Living Legacy exhibition concludes on January 4, 2026, attendees are encouraged to reflect on the issues highlighted and consider how they, too, can contribute to the cause. Whether through supporting local artists, participating in community initiatives, or simply staying informed, every action counts. Let's keep the momentum going, ensuring that the stories of struggle and triumph continue to resonate throughout San Francisco and beyond.
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