Interviewer(s): Natalie Garza

Project: University of Houston

Johnny Mata is a Mexican American activist who has been involved with LULAC and the GI Forum for a number of years. He talks about prominent issues that LULAC has been involved in, such as redistricting, Mexican American representation on grand juries, and permitting communication in Spanish in family court. He also discusses his work with the Harris County Community Action Association under the Lyndon B. Johnson administration, particularly his work promoting equal employment opportunities. Throughout the interview Mr. Mata expresses various philosophies on themes such as development of Mexican American leadership, fighting injustice, and education.