CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — Like his father before him, Claudius Minor never set out to be a trailblazer. He just happened to be the right guy in the right place at the right time to make history.
After his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1956, Minor went home to San Antonio. Soon after, he got a job as a cook for the Bexar County Jail on the advice of his father, who worked for the Bear Co. Sheriff’s Office at the time.
As the sheriff’s department was integrated in the 1960s, Minor was put on the booking desk by the chief deputy, Oscar Warneke.
“I was eager to advance,” said Minor. “It was more pay and everything. He said I’d start off with the rank of corporal.”
His father was the first black peace officer and warrant officer in Bexar County. Minor quickly advanced through the ranks, and in the process became the first black man to be promoted to corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant in a Texas sheriff’s office.
“I didn’t realize at the time that I was making history,” said Minor.
After he left the sheriffs office, Minor and his wife moved to Corpus Christi in 1969. He worked for refineries and became a minister before retiring in 1999.
Now 86-years-old and suffering from kidney issues, Minor is like many, waiting for COVID-19 vaccines for both he and his wife, adding that mega vaccination events simply aren’t practical for him.
“It’s almost totally impossible for me to go and sit in these long lines in Robstown and wait to get vaccinated,” Minor said.
Even though he doesn't use city sponsored senior services, Minor hopes he can be added to a list of homebound seniors for vaccination. He said he may also try the by appointment clinic at the American Bank Center or the VA Clinic. Whatever it takes to get a shot at a future safe from COVID-19.
“I’m not afraid to take the shot because I believe that it would be an ounce of prevention,” said Minor.
Minor said he understands some minorities' hesitation to take a COVID-19 vaccine, but he said it’s important to him to protect both himself and his loved ones.