Interviewer(s): Natalie Garza

Project: University of Houston

Judge Armando Rodriguez was born and raised in Houston. He became the first Mexican American Justice of the Peace elected in Houston in 1973. In this interview he talks about the Mexican American community, cultural traits, and values. A large portion of the interview is spent discussing Mexican American politics in Houston, with Judge Rodriguez naming important people that were involved, organizations established, and some anecdotal events. Judge Rodriguez also talked about the development of the modern Fiestas Patrias parade and celebration in 1969. A major theme that emerges from the interview is uplifting the Mexican American community and insistence on being treated as equals.