Joseph F. Souza, Jr. drawings (MSS-0148)

Biographical/Historical Note

Joseph F. Souza, Jr. was born in São Nicolau, Cape Verde Islands and raised in Lisbon, Portugal and New Bedford, Massachusetts. Upon graduating from Worcester State College, he would become an officer for the U.S. Air Force where he would serve for 28 years. A trained counseling psychologist, Souza devoted time during his career with the U.S. Air Force to provide therapy within the military community. He also taught extensively at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, the Air Command and Staff College, the Portuguese Air Force Academy, and the NATO Defense College in Rome. After retirement, Souza moved to Lisbon where he found his own self-therapy in his music and art, both of which he is self-taught. He was an active member of the Cape Verdean Veterans Association of New Bedford and, along with his wife Dawn Blake Souza, was involved in many cultural and public service activities within their communities. Souza and his wife would eventually move to Avondale, Arizona. On July 28th, 2021, Souza passed away at the age of 83.

Note: Biographical Note was written utilizing materials from collection, for more information see Item 1 “Brief Biography of Joseph F. Souza, Jr.”