Gonzalez, Frank 1973-07-04

From SWC Oral History Collection
Revision as of 20:47, 4 December 2014 by Carrie (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

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.

Range Dates:

Bulk Dates:


Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:



Thank you for your interest in this oral history interview. Our oral history collection is available to patrons in the Southwest Collection's Reading Room, located on the campus of Texas Tech University. For reading room hours, visit our website. Please contact Reference Staff at least one week prior to your visit to ensure the oral history you are interested in will be available. Due to copyright issues, duplications of our oral histories can only be made for family members. If an oral history transcript has been made available online, the link will be provided on this page. More information on accessing our oral histories is located here. Preferred citation style can be found here.