Just a
Thought: 2014 recap
By Steve
Walker
With 2014
coming to an end and 2015 on the horizon, I recently re-read many of my Sunday
“Just a Thought” columns and reminisced how my articles progressed throughout
the year. Hopefully they were positive reading for La Prensa’s readers.
I was
surprised to realize that I had addressed a fair amount of topics ranging from
immigration to numerous local Hispanic icons, to holiday celebrations such as
Dies Y Seis, Cinco de Mayo, and Fiesta. Even Labor Day and Pearl Harbor Day also
made the cut.
Since I
number my columns, this one is my 102nd in the past two years. Two articles
were delayed a week due to a lack of space. In newspapers it sometimes happens.
The year
began with my first writing published on January 5th entitled “Dear
Dad.” I composed a letter to my long deceased father who labelled me a “Dumb
Kid” as I was growing up. The letter was from the perspective that he was
supportive and nurturing and not negative. For me the letter was very
therapeutic in sharing with the readers.
In that first 2014 column, I also alluded to the 10
part series focusing on local Hispanic Icons.
From there I continued to write about all things
Hispanic since the newspaper is called “La Prensa.” Since I spent most of my
adult life in San Antonio in the Hispanic community teaching in Harlandale,
Edgewood and SAISD, it works for me. I am fascinated with the rich culture of
the Hispanic community although I am not Hispanic.
In February, I wrote about attending the 85th
Birthday of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber and highlighting its accomplishments
in San Antonio, which are many. By March my column detailed the premiere of the Cesar
Chavez movie that took place March 12th at
the Palladium at the Rim that hosted a reception and sneak preview that
attracted over 300 excited invited guests. That was really momentous for me
since I had interviewed Cesar Chavez in 1982 for Eyewitness News.
In that
article I wrote about taking lots of photos of guests walking the red carpet
and posing with the likes of the middle son of Cesar Chavez, Paul
Chavez and the son-in-law of Cesar Chavez, Arturo Rodriguez.
Director Diego Luna and Producer Pablo Cruz also attended
and mingled with the crowd as well.
In April I
wrote a column on Fiesta celebrations and in May I focused on local icon Willie
Velasquez, the Founder of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.
(SVREP) It was his vision in 1974, to ensure that Latinos would play an
important role in the American Democratic process. Fortunately for us his
journey began here in Texas.
In July, I focused on Hispanic performers like Harlandale High
School grad and nationally known actor Jesse Borrego, as well as San Antonio
native and internationally known singer Vikki Carr. I have had the pleasure of hanging
out with Jesse many times over the years and twice with Vikki Carr, taking
photos. That same month I weighed in on Mayor Julian Castro when he was
nominated for Secretary for Housing Urban Development. (HUD)
In the September issue I touched on the Diez Y Seis celebration. It was
fitting since San Antonio loves to party year round
especially in September because we celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day from
Spain. Since Hispanics are the majority population in the Alamo City it is only
logical we continue to remember that rich Hispanic heritage.
Now in its
35th year, the Raul Jimenez Dinner was the focus of my November 23rd
column that continues to provide Thanksgiving Dinner to senior citizens,
homeless and the less fortunate from all over the city. I have been fortunate
to have been an active part of that event for many years by serving food,
shucking turkeys and taking photos.
Next Sunday I
will begin my third year writing new “Just a Thought” columns about all things
Hispanic. I look forward to continuing exploring the history and culture of the
Hispanic culture in San Antonio and sharing it with La Prensa readers.
And as
always, I write just a thought.
Steve
Walker is a Viet Nam Veteran, former Journalist and Justice of the Peace.