I reside in the great city of Sacramento, California and have been here for almost 20 years. Since I’ve been here I’ve met many high ranking individuals in various industries (business, politics, entertainment, etc.). I’ve also had the opportunity to get a quality education from one of the best higher education business schools in the country (yes I do feel my education at California State University, Sacramento ranks that high).

While here in Sacramento, many years ago, I had the distinct privilege of also meeting someone of not only high ranking political authority, but also a true influencer and motivator or people.

With that, I MUST make this month’s INFOtainment News Personality Profile Mr. Joe Serna, Jr.

Mr. Joe Serna, Jr. was born in Stockton, California on September 3, 1939 to a migrant farm working family. He was raised in labor camps near Lodi and worked with his family in the fields from a very early age.

Joe Serna is most known as a civil rights activist and the 52nd mayor of Sacramento, California. Before becoming the first Latino mayor of Sacramento, Serna had many other public roles; he erved 11 years on the Sacramento City Council, he served in the Peace Corps and was also a professor in the Government Department at my alma mater…California State University, Sacramento (I told you it was a top notch school !!)

As mayor, Serna helped revitalize Sacramento’s downtown area and pushed through initiatives to honor César Chávez when the legendary civil rights leader died in 1993. Serna organized a caravan from Sacramento to march in Chávez’s funeral and renamed a park in fron of City Hall to César E. Chávez Plaza. Furthermore, Sacramento became the first city in the United States to honor César Chávez with a holiday.

Joe Serna died while he was still mayor of Sacramento, on November 7, 1999. The remainder of Serna’s term was presided over by Jimmie Yee.

In honor of Serna, in 2001, the newly erected 25-story EPA Building in downtown Sacramento was officially named the Joe Serna, Jr. EPA Building. Many California universities and organizations have also established scholarships and grants in Joe Serna’s name. Joe Serna, Jr. Charter School, which is the only Spanish/English dual-immersion school in Lodi, California, carries out Serna’s legacy of giving all people the opportunity to have their voices heard.

I personally had the opportunity to meet and interact with Mr. Serna only a handful of times, but I can remember that he was indeed a great man of character and caring.

Thank you for your service kind sir.