Gonzalez, Frank 1973-07-04
Frank Gonzalez, a prominent Hispanic community leader in Lubbock, discusses his experiences with the bracero program, the importance of good relations between Texas and Mexico, and his role in the Good Neighbor Project in Lubbock.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Frank Gonzalez
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: July 4, 1973
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 2 hours, 25 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Discusses his background,
Has been reared in both United States and Mexico,
Wife insisted he move to Lubbock,
Against moving because of bad publicity from newspapers
in Mexico,
Reasons for bad publicity listed,
Mentions Pauline Kibbe's efforts on behalf of Texas Good
Neighbor Commission,
Businesses in Lubbock described,
Starts plans for helping braceros with South Plains Lions Club,
Problems with Mexican consulate in Lubbock threatened
withdrawal of bracero labor,
Went with delegation to Mexico City.
Tape 1, Side 2: Narrative about trip to Mexico City (continued),
Instituted plan to help braceros,
Ministers in Mexico recalled,
Comments on role of crew leader for Mexican-American
workers,
Problems in bracero system remembered,
Explains that emphasis on anti-communist activities motivated,
civic groups to action to help braceros,
Incidents of trouble were common in bracero program.
Tape 2, Side 1: Results of Project Good Neighbor enumerated,
Created ideas for programs by civic clubs,
Lists projects that have been started,
Comments on fund raising,
Experience at Sheppard Air Force Base inspired new
program for Lubbock,
Describes changes taking place in Spanish-speaking
communities in Texas,
Inter-racial Commission mentioned,
Discusses politics and minorities,
Problems with bilingual education presented.
Tape 2, Side 2: Ancestor's part in Mexican Revolution recalled,
Remembers attitudes of Mexican border towns,
Programs by both government and private groups needed,
Praises Texas Tech's objective approach to Mexican territory.
Tape 3, Side 1: Discusses Mexico's consulate in Lubbock,
Role of Lubbock Chamber of Commerce in Good Neighbor
Project revealed,
Comments on other Mexican-American organizations,
His speaking engagements described,
Explains philosophy behind Good Neighbor Project,
Dual citizenship becoming more difficult,
Talks about his religious affiliations,
Slaton swimming pool incident recalled,
Remembers his attack on labor,
Discrimination practices accounted for.
Tape 3, Side 2: Exploitation of workers discovered,
Considers problem of illegal entries into United States,
Brief summary of relations between United States and Mexico
given,
Sees racial problem growing worse.
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