Interviewer(s): Leigh Cutler & Natalie Garza

Project: University of Houston

Dr. Dorothy Caram is an educator and community activist in the Mexican American community of Houston. In this interview she talks about her personal history, how her family arrived in Houston, her educational history, and her professional and community endeavors. Dr. Caram covers a wide range of topics including cultural activities and community services in the Mexican American neighborhoods of Houston. She also gives her personal perspective on issues of bilingual education, Mexican American politics, immigration, use of the word Hispanic, and the importance of knowing one’s history.

Mrs. Caram was born in Magnolia Park a Mexican American barrio in Houston, Texas. Her paternal grandfather was from Harrisburg [now part of Houston], Texas while other ancestors came to Houston in the early part of the 1900’s. This interview is primarily focused on the role of El Salon Juarez, which served as a community center for the Mexican American people for many years as well as the efforts that have been made to try to salvage the old building.