Growing up in an orphanage, and running away from home at age 14, then he immigrated to the U.S. at the tender age of 17. His family relations edged him out of his home. He did not know that America would become his new home.

He worked at every job that would pay his way through life in the new world for little compensation. He accomplished every man's dream by procreating a son into this world with an American woman. Life would teach him many lessons through, trials and tribulations but he would rise above it all. He taught him self English, how to be a father and provide for his own.

In the beginning of the new world, washing dishes, painting bridges and selling dope were his means of income. Sighting no future ahead after a five year cocaine addiction, he turn his life around for a greater cause; his son, his life. With no degree, or formal English educational background he managed to earn his way through the public health system, a position at a government health agency and a short political career. Angelo knew nobody when he came to America and now it seems like everybody knows Angelo.

His passion became his strength and it drove him to challenge the health care and political system he lead a campaign to advocate for better health services for Latinos in Baltimore city. His passion from a love relationship drove him into jail. His love for a community and social justice, his frustration with the system that discriminates against Latinos and an unnecessary war in Iraq drove him to go back to his birthplace of Spain after spending 23 years in the U.S.

He was happy to go back home, and with the though of never to return, but the love for his son and friends eventually drove him back to the U.S.
Not before completing a pilgrimage to Santiago of Compostela, a tradition that dates back to the roman empire, a- 400 mile - journey through the wilderness, mountains, small villages, towns and mayor metropolitan centers of Spain.

What happened through the journey would give him a since of identity and belonging that he had straggle for many years. With a new find since of purpose he decided to return back to the U.S. to continue his journey.


I have seen this man transpire right in front of my eyes. I know this because I am his son and he is my father.

Juan Antonio Solera.