"Just a Thought" Column continues in La Prensa of SA, 9-27

Just a Thought: Artist Lionel Sosa

 By Steve Walker       

For the last two weeks the local Hispanic community and the entire City of San Antonio has been celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. (September 15 to October 15)

Fresh off the Diez Y Seis parade on the Westside that drew thousands of excited parade watchers and participants, plus the 41^st birthday party of the Castro twins at Sunset Station, it has been exciting.

During September through mid-October, we recognize the contributions and important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States and especially in the Alamo City. Locally we celebrate the rich heritage and culture that is so prevalent here, anytime we are given the opportunity.  

As part of the national celebration, an art exhibit entitled “Windows to the Soul,” featured the artwork of local Hispanic Icon Lionel Sosa, at St. Philip’s College, September 17th.

The portrait exhibit was well-received by the students in attendance for the formal presentation. As an Adjunct Instructor at St. Philip’s, I was thrilled to bring my class of Medical Assistants and also take photos of the event. Over the years I have had the privilege of covering Lionel Sosa at community events as well as political events.

Before the official presentation kicked off, I spent a few minutes visiting with Mr. Sosa reminiscing about those times to include photographing him in February this past year at the Hispanic Chamber Gala. As I initially approached him he quickly recognized me and grabbed my hand to shake it. It was like earlier times. He thanked me for those times and said he was thrilled to know I was going take photos of his paintings.

Various classes of college campus students, faculty members and staff crowded into the exhibit hall in the Watson Fine Arts Center, Kathy Morgan Gallery, for a short presentation of his work. He posed for students taking Selfie’s, group pictures and individual photos. 

My students were no exception as he readily posed with them as a group and as individuals. Truly he is a gracious man.

Sosa is the author of "Think and Grow Rich, A Latino Choice," published in 2006 by Random House, and "The Americano Dream: How Latinos Can Achieve Success in Business and in Life," published in 1998 by Dutton Publishing.

Founder of Sosa, Bromley, Aguilar & Associates, now, Bromley Communications, Sosa is an expert in Hispanic consumer and voter behavior, education and achievement.

Serving as a media consultant for President George W. Bush in the 2000 and 2004 campaigns, he has been a Hispanic media consultant in six Republican presidential campaigns since 1980.

Sosa was named "One of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America" by Time Magazine in July 2005 and is a member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame. In spring 2001, he was named a fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University.

Most recently, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. I have taken photos of him at the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists in previous years.

According to the recent Census, 50.5 million people or 16% of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.

Lionel Sosa best exemplifies the best of the Latino community nationally and locally in San Antonio. I was fortunate to be at the opening of his exhibit at St. Philip’s College for National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Anyway, as always, what I write is “Just a Thought.”

Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran, former Judge and Journalist.