Narvaiz, Robert 2002-10-09
Roberto Narvais discusses discrimination in Lubbock throughout the 1950’s and 60’s and the challenges face by Hispanics as well as his experience in the Marines.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Robert Narvaiz
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: October 9, 2002
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Adrian Cimental
Length: 49 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1:
Names the various towns he and his family migrated to for work;
Compares education in Texas to that of California;
Discriminatory attitude in Lubbock toward African-Americans and Hispanics;
Mentions Avenue H as dividing point;
Compares nondiscriminatory attitude of Lorenzo to Lubbock;
Recalls agricultural work as the only kind of work Hispanics were hired for;
Explains the reason why he joined the military;
Buddy system;
Describes the postwar sentiment among returning Hispanic soldiers and veterans;
Discuses his training, and military life;
Recalls a nondiscriminatory attitude while in the service;
Agricultural work his parents did;
Mentions wages;
Reveals feelings of regret for not staying in the Marines to make it a career;
Explains his final position, rank, and responsibilities within the Marines;
Mentions wages;
Shares a military story regarding his work as upper sergeant;
Life after the service;
Job at a produce company;
Mentions wages;
Got married in June, 1962;
Discriminatory attitude still existed but had become less overt;
Gradual impact of Civil Rights Act on Lubbock;
Discusses Cesar Chavez and the impact of his movement on Lubbock;
Attitude toward Kennedy;
Recalls his assassination and the disappointed sentiment afterward;
Further discussion of Cesar Chávez;
Recalls his involvement in a protest in Colorado City;
The reasons for the lessened discriminatory attitude;
LULAC and other organization;
Discusses the changed attitude toward Hispanics and Hispanic culture;
Expresses his anger toward a tortilla throwing tradition at Texas Tech football games;
Discusses importance of a college education.
Range Dates: 1937–1998
Bulk Dates: 1947–1998
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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