Public Matters centers primarily around the Latino community and Mission District during the 1980s, a rather tumultuous political period. Using a large format camera and color film, American photographer Janet Delaney took to the streets with San Francisco natives to capture them during community gatherings, like the annual Cinco de Mayo parade, during political rallies, like the Peace, Jobs, and Justice marches, or simply while lounging in front of their homes and businesses.
Public Matters captures the spirit of San Francisco during a period of high immigration and political strife, documenting the resilience and energy of the city’s communities.
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| Foxy Lady, 1983 |
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| Baby with Laotian Hat, 1983 |
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| Reserve Officers’ Training Corp, Cinco de Mayo Parade, 1983 |
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| Woman in Brown Suit, 1983 |
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| Dancers on Stage, 1984 |
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| Dog with Ribs, Mission at 18th Street, 1984 |
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| Masked Man Selling Newspapers, 24th Street, 1984 |
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| Movie Posters, Mission Street, 1984 |
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| Pawnshop, Mission Street, 1984 |
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| Virgin Mary in the Ice, 1984 |
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| Dominque DiPrima, on Stage, 1985 |
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| Man and Woman at Carnaval, 1985 |
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| Three Young Women, 1985 |
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| Two Young Teens, 1985 |
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| “Cookies not Contras”, Peace, Jobs and Justice Parade, 1986 |
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| AIDS Activists, First Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, 1986 |
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| Crowd Waiting, 1986 |
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| Mother and Daughter with Baby Carriage, at Peace, Jobs and Justice Parade, 1986 |
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| Mother and Daughters Behind Barricade, 1986 |
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| Socialism!, 1986 |
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| Watching the First Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, 1986 |
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| “I May Not Get There . . .” First Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, 1986 |
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| Three Contestants, 1988 |
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Great photographs. In the early 80s I worked a few blocks from 16th and Mission and lived about 1/3 mile from 24th and Mission. The district had an edgy, working class vibe. It also had one of the best micro-climates in San Francisco. I never saw so-called homeless there because they kept to the financial district and tourist areas that tolerated them. I won't say the Mission district was a great place 40 years ago, but there was plenty of variety and a chance to meet interesting and nice folks.
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