Mission, TX: Ayer, Hoy, Y Siempre

Mission, TX: Ayer, Hoy, y Siempre is a project inspired by my mom Alejandra Molina-Flores, a mom, a sister, and daughter who always convinced people that it was okay to dance a little longer (even if they had to work the next morning) at the bailes in Reynosa and throughout the Valley. Growing up, I discovered the Rio Grande Valley through her stories that she would share in the sala with my siblings and I. Stories about what her life was like before and after she went to work at Foy’s like witnessing Juan Gabriel perform at Greg’s or racing down the streets of Mission with her custom purple-hued-colored thunderbird or crossing to and from Reynosa to dance. 

Unfortunately, in November of 2022 I lost my mom to cancer however her life continues through the stories she shared. Mission, TX: Ayer, Hoy, y Siempre is my way to not only honor my mom but also a way to remember her and the beautiful Valley I hold close to my heart. Over the years places such as Foy’s, Greg’s, or Leo’s Gas Station no longer exist except in the photos, videos, or memories we have of those local spaces. With the loss of these places there has also been a loss of history and in some ways, our loved ones who helped bring community and culture to these spots. 

I invite you to Mission, TX: Ayer, Hoy, y Siempre event at the Mission Library to share stories of the past and present, in particular the 1980’s to the early 2000s, as a way for us to remember together. 

We ask community members to join us with their memories, photographs, stories, and any other relevant materials about Mission. Attendees will be encouraged to share their memories via written text, oral histories, or photographs. No story or memory is too small!

Host or Publisher ENTRE Film Center & Regional Archive