Lone Star College professor receives International Latino Book Award

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College professor Tony Diaz’s book, “The Tip of The Pyramid: Cultivating Community Cultural Capital,” was named the 2023 Raul Yzaguirre best political/current affairs winner during the International Latino Book Awards. The award recognizes the greatness of both Latino writers and non-Latinos who are writing on Latino topics.

“My book quantifies the power of community culture capital. I am blessed to share this knowledge with those who form the foundation of this power: our students and their families” said Tony Diaz, LSC-Houston North Mexican American Literature and Rhetorical Analysis professor. “Like many of my students, I was the first in my family to pursue higher education. I'm honored that this book is more proof to them that if I did it they too can achieve the American dream through education.”

Diaz was the first Chicano to earn a master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Houston Creative Writing Program. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from De Paul University in Chicago. His essays have appeared in the Houston Chronicle, The Texas Observer, CNN.com, the Los Angeles Times, and The Huffington Post Latino Voices, among other publications.

“This book is a map backward, an excavation of the making of the work and movement, said Abram Himelstein, University of New Orleans Press editor and chief in a statement. “But also, of course, this book is a map forward, into imagining the world that can be as artists—writers, painters, vocalists, sculptors, rappers—build the world as they see it: one more truthful and beautiful than our current reality.”

The 320-page book was published in 2022 and is a bestselling title for the University of New Orleans Press.

“I am proud of this tremendous accomplishment,” said Mario K. Castillo, LSC chancellor. “Lone Star College faculty are second to none when it comes to academic excellence and Tony’s work continues to be inspiring and uplifting to both his students and colleagues.”