Just a Thought: Hispanic Heritage Month
By Steve Walker
San Antonio Hispanics, along with Hispanics all over the county are currently
celebrating National Hispanic Heritage
Month. (September 15 to October 15)
Home to the Alamo and the Missions, San Antonio as a community celebrates
the rich heritage and Hispanic culture that is so dominates our city.
During this time, we recognize the important presence of Hispanic and
Latino Americans who have made major contributions to America’s way of life.
Could anyone have imagined that not one but two Hispanic candidates such as
Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Florida Senator Marco Rubio are currently running
for President of the United States?
When Pope Francis visited Washington, New York City and Philadelphia on
a goodwill trip last week, he addressed immigration issues confronting our
country. He spoke limited English but spoke at length in Spanish to the masses
of Hispanic Catholics celebrating his message and physical presence.
He was
warmly received by the Hispanic community as well as the community at large.Last week I wrote about local Hispanic icon Lionel Sosa kicking off the
celebration with his art exhibit entitled “Windows to the Soul,” at St.
Philip’s College, September 17th.
As an artist, his portrait exhibit was
well-received by the students in attendance for the formal presentation. The
exhibit will eventually will be housed in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington
D.C.
I shared with the readers that 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. Most recently, he was
awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of
Hispanic Journalists.
According to the recent Census, 50.5 million people or 16% of the
population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. The Hispanic community is
increasing in numbers and contributing to the overall success of our country.
I am privileged to have shared numerous personal experiences with local
Hispanics who continue to make the Alamo City a better place. For the last
three years writing “Just a Thought,” I have written about such luminaries as former Councilwoman
Maria Berriozabal, former Mayor and HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros, and activist
Jaime Martinez who marched with National hero Cesar Chavez.
Harlandale High
School graduate and actor Jesse Borrego, National Selective Service Director
Larry Romo, and International singer Doctor Patsy Torres were also coved in my
column.
But who could
forget now retired Archbishop Patrick Flores whose story I shared as well,
whose life made a significant difference in our community like Pope Francis.
In the late
nineties as a public speaking teacher at McCollum HS, I hosted then Archbishop
Patrick Flores, the first Mexican American Archbishop in the United States.
I remember writing
about his growing up as a migrant worker and being a 10th grader for
two years because he was in the fields picking cotton. From migrant worker to 1st
Mexican American Archbishop in the United States is not a shabby accomplishment!
With only 11 days
left to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, San Antonio can be proud of
the major contributions of its Hispanic community to the country. I have great
faith that the contributions will continue long after the official celebration
is over.
Anyway, as always, what I write is
“Just a Thought.”
Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran,
former Judge and Journalist.
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