This Who's Who highlights part of cultural landscape

Judge Jason Pulliam of Bexar County Court No. 5 pointed out an anomaly of San Antonio's cultural landscape last week at a ceremony unveiling the 2012 African American Edition of Who's Who in San Antonio. In fact, the whole event underscored his point.

Pulliam, who is African American, told the large gathering in a Convention Center ballroom, "We only comprise 6 percent of San Antonio's population, but of that 6 percent, the folks in this room make tremendous contributions.

"This wonderful publication takes into account the significant impact of African Americans for their religious, cultural, economic, entrepreneurial and political impact here in this city, which is grand."

The force behind the local Who's Who is publisher Laura Thompson, who received a standing ovation when she was introduced by masters of ceremony Cheryl and Taj Matthews

To Thompson, a young, passionate clarion for African American pride, the book and its 2012 theme, "Telling Our Stories," strives "to create a legacy through success stories," as she told Gwen P. Robinson when she asked her to write the book's foreword. Robinson serves as executive director of the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce.

"The Who's Who is a discovery that needs greater exploration because every edition reveals a new dimension to who's who in San Antonio," said honoree Aaronetta Pierce, who is featured as a Living Legend. As well as being owner of Premier Artworks, Pierce is a community volunteer and one of several women pictured on the book's all-woman cover.

The others are Live Oak Mayor Mary Dennis; retired AT&T executive Priscilla Hill-Ardoin; Barbara Hawkins, CEO of the George Gervin Youth Center; Confidential Search Solutions CEO Therall Haygood; Robinson; and IBM sales manager Rosalind Anderson In all, 132 people are featured with profile stories and photos.

The 2012 edition also features 90-year-old Andrew Smith, the first African American in San Antonio to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture; SA 2020 CEO J. Darryl Byrd; St. Philip's College Dean Art A. Hall; and Tommy Calvert Jr., general manager of KROV Radio.

Civil Rights leader Mario Marcel Salas added a further note of sanctity. In a keynote address, he reminded all that the achievements of African Americans today are possible because of victories won by previous generations, just as current achievements blaze trails for future leaders.

The evening wasn't all solemn: The pounding soul and funk of Don Diego and Company had a few of us shaking off the day. It was a soulful celebration all the way around.

Nancy Cook-Monroe's "Social Studies" column appears Thursdays and Sundays in S.A. Life. Write to her at exnewssocialstudies@gmail.com.

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