"Just a Thought" Column continues in LA Prensa of SA, 10-16
Just a Thought: Remembering
Choco Meza
by Steve
Walker
Choco
Meza, a tireless activist for the local Democratic Party, passed away last
Sunday, October 9th, after a short bout with cancer. She was
coordinating the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in San Antonio when she
died. Ironically she passed away just hours before the second presidential
debate with Republican Donald Trump in St. Louis.
As
one who has known her for years, I was devastated to hear that she died of
liver cancer. Her husband Daniel was my realtor when I rented my house out to
renters. When she was the Bexar County Democratic Party Chair, she personally assisted
me when I ran for Judge to ensure I filled out my forms correctly to get on the
ballot. I also took numerous photos of her as Party Chair and as the
coordinator of the Hillary campaign in Bexar County.
I expected to do so again
last week during the debate. Secretary
Hillary Clinton an hour before the debate tweeted: “Saddened by the passing of
Choco Meza, a historic figure in Texas politics and beloved friend on our team.
My prayers are with her family.-H.”
A
number of friends and admirers expressed their condolences and thoughts at the
second Presidential Debate Watch Party at the headquarters on West Commerce.
Robert
Vargas III said, “Choco Meza is a true trailblazer. She is a modern day
kingmaker for sure. She is a no nonsense grass roots activist who has paved the
way for so many in Bexar County. She leaves a void as big as Texas in our
hearts and we must work hard to fulfill her legacy and continue her work.”
A young Kayla Price noted, “Miss Meza
means the world to me since she has done a lot for my mom. She was an amazing
woman.”
Emilio
Pena pointed out, “She was a powerful woman and leader. I will miss her.” His
wife Sylvia added, I will cherish her memory.”
Skye
Curd added, “Choco worked tirelessly for our community. I was beyond blessed to
have had her friendship.”
Andres
Lopez who worked in the Hillary campaign headquarters under Choco said, “Choco
is an icon and a legacy for helping San Antonio families.”
Maryann
Ramos also a volunteer in the Hillary Headquarters noted that “We have lost an
amazing woman, mentor, fearless leader and most importantly a beloved friend.
She will continue to be in our hearts as we work hard to bring her vision to
life of electing our first woman president.”
Rose
Marie Dehoyos shared that “Choco was my mentor and friend. I will miss her
smile and determination to get things completed. We will all miss her greatly.”
Mark
Camann added, “It was my honor to work with her one year when she was Party
Chair. What she did in that year was perhaps her greatest accomplishment. She
took the party out of debt of $200 thousand dollars embezzled by the party
treasurer. She almost single handedly raised the money to pay off the debt
within 7 months and turned it around.”
Carla
Vela a former Bexar County Democratic Party Chair who served a term before
Choco posted on Facebook: “Such a
beautiful and smart lady. She is gone way too soon. We are going to miss you. I
know you are in heaven with God. My friend, may you Rest in Peace.”
Maria
Salazar, a local attorney also posted on Facebook: “Choco Gonzalez Meza is a
treasure, a tremendous resource for San Antonio, a mover-shaker and a dedicated
organizer for women, and Latinos.”
Born
in the Mexican province of Coahuila, Meza as a three year-old, came to Texas.
She leaves behind Daniel Meza, her husband of over 40 years, their two
children, Danny Meza and Ivalis Meza-Gonzalez, granddaughter Emma and numerous
friends.
In
1992, Meza served under HUD Secretary Henry G. Cisneros as deputy assistant
secretary for Intergovernmental Relations and was the agency’s liaison to the
Bill Clinton White House.
Most
recently, Meza was campaign manager for Shirley Gonzales’ two successful runs
for City Council District 5 and served as the councilwoman’s chief of staff.
She took time off from that job to head-up the local Clinton campaign.
When Choco was once asked what it meant to be
an American, she said: “Just look at my family. That is an American success
story.” We miss you Choco Meza.
Anyway, as always, what I write is “Just
a Thought.”
Steve Walker
is a Vietnam Veteran, former Judge and Journalist
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