In a poignant tribute to the enduring legacy of voting rights champion Choco Gonzalez Meza, St. Mary’s University School of Law hosted its sixth annual forum, “Vote Your Future: Looking Back with a View Towards the Future,” on Thursday, October 17, 2024. The event brought together a diverse assembly of students, community members, and esteemed guests, all united in their commitment to civic engagement and activism.
María de Socorro “Choco” González Meza, a St. Mary’s alumna and lifelong advocate for voting rights, left an indelible mark on Texas politics before her passing in 2016. Born in Zaragoza, Coahuila, Mexico, on May 16, 1952, Meza’s journey was one of resilience and determination from the start. She immigrated to Texas with her family at the age of three, facing numerous challenges, including her father’s multiple deportations.
Despite these obstacles, Meza persevered. She attended St. Mary’s University, majoring in physical education and graduating in 1977. It was during her student days that her passion for political activism ignited, setting the stage for a lifetime of public service.
Rosie Castro, former San Antonio City Councilwoman and longtime friend of Choco, reflected on their early days of activism: “Choco and I were young, passionate, and determined to make a difference. We believed in the power of our community’s voice, and Choco never wavered from that belief throughout her life.” Castro also urged students to participate in the upcoming elections, reminding them that their voices matter now more than ever.
Meza’s career was marked by a series of influential positions. She served as the national research director for the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, senior vice president of the San Antonio Housing Authority, executive director for the YWCA, and executive director for the Rockefeller Foundation project Partnership for Hope. In 1992, she was appointed deputy assistant secretary of intergovernmental relations by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros.
At the time of Meza’s passing, Henry Cisneros, who worked closely with her, shared his thoughts: “Choco was a force of nature. Her dedication to democratic principles and social justice was unparalleled. She had this remarkable ability to inspire others and effect real change. Texas, and indeed our nation, is better because of her tireless efforts.”
Throughout her life, Meza remained a stalwart of the Democratic Party, serving on the Democratic National Committee, the State Democratic Executive Committee, and as chair of the Bexar County Democratic Party. Her commitment to public service was matched only by her dedication to her family. Choco and her husband, Danny Meza, were married for 44 years, raising two children, Danny and Ivalis.
Elaine Ayala, columnist for the San Antonio Express-News, who covered Choco’s work for many years, said, “Choco Meza was more than a political activist; she was a community builder. Her impact extended far beyond election cycles. She was instrumental in shaping policies that improved the lives of countless Texans, particularly in underserved communities.”
The forum at St. Mary’s University Law School served as a testament to Choco’s enduring influence. Moderated by her daughter, Ivalis Meza Gonzalez (SMU JD ’15), the panel included Dr. Charles Cotrell, President Emeritus of St. Marys University, the Honorable Rosie Castro, former City Councilwoman and longtime community activist, Louis R. Escareño, Attorney and Member of the Board of La Prensa Texas, David Garza (SMU BA ’74), and Mary Velasquez Salazar (SMU BA ’75). Danny Meza, Choco’s husband of over four decades, helped organize the forum and watched the proceedings from the audience.
Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, in her opening remarks, emphasized the significance of her mother’s legacy: “My mother taught me the importance of community and civic engagement. Her life’s work wasn’t just a career; it was a calling. And now, it’s my turn to carry that torch forward.”
Ivalis has indeed built a distinguished career in public service, following in her mother’s footsteps. After graduating from UTSA and St. Mary’s Law School, she served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of San Antonio. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic earned her recognition as “2021 Woman of the Year” in the San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 under 40 list.
Now, Ivalis is taking her commitment to public service to the next level. She recently announced her candidacy for City Council in District 8, where she has been raising her family for the past 15 years. Her campaign focuses on protecting the community’s positive attributes while managing growth, drawing on her experience in both public and private sectors.
“I’m committed to ensuring that as our community grows, we protect all the things that make it great,” Ivalis stated. “My mother taught me that true leadership is about service, and I’m ready to serve District 8 and honor her memory through my work.”
As Ivalis Meza Gonzalez embarks on this new chapter, she carries not only her mother’s legacy but also the hopes and aspirations of a community eager for positive change. Her announcement marks a significant moment in San Antonio’s political landscape, as she aims to continue the work Choco started decades ago.
The story of Choco Meza and Ivalis Meza Gonzalez serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of public service and the role of family in shaping community leaders. It’s a testament to the enduring power of one person’s dedication to make a difference, and how that commitment can inspire generations to come.
As the forum at St. Mary’s University Law School concluded, it was clear that Choco Meza’s spirit lives on—in the work of her daughter, in the memories of her colleagues and friends, and in the ongoing struggle for voting rights and social justice. Her life’s work continues to inspire action and advocacy within the community, ensuring that her vision for a more equitable and just society remains a guiding light for future generations.
In true Choco Meza fashion, former Councilwoman Rosie Castro concluded the forum by reminding the students assembled that an election is upon us and invited all to early vote beginning this week, urging them to honor the legacy of leaders like Choco by making their voices heard.
