HOUSTON-  Thomas Meloncon is a nationally known playwright and poet, who lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and daughters. Thomas was born and raised in Houston’s 5th Ward where he attended Atherton Elementary, E.O. Smith and graduated from Kashmere Gardens High School. He writes extensively about social problems affecting society.

He is the author of over 30 plays and a book of poetry and is known by audiences for his hard-hitting, yet witty prose. Meloncon is often commissioned by agencies and organizations to craft a play for their specific needs.

He has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Communications, and recently taught in the Fine Arts Department of Texas Southern University. He also served as Resident Playwright at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts from 1989 through 2002.

Other plays written by Meloncon include: “Let Yesterday Go”, “A Matter of Manhood”, “Where Were You in 65’, “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With a Gizzard Sandwich”, “Before Time Runs Out”, “Our Feet can Tell a Story”, “Johnny B. Goode,” “The Colored Section” and “The Tobacco Road.”

Meloncon received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and his Master of Arts Degree in Communications from Texas Southern University. He has received numerous awards for his creativity and works on social issues including: “Outstanding Texan Award” (Field of Arts, Texas Legislative Black Caucus); “Creative Writing Award” (Houston Chapter National Association of Black Journalist); and “Achievement Award” (Texas Southern University Program Council).

We salute Thomas Meloncon as this week’s Living Legend and invite you to send in who you think will make a good Living Legend and why they should be honored.