Interviewer: Leigh Cutler

Project: University Of Houston

The family of Dr. Emilio Sarabia, a retired physician at the time of the interview, was one of the earliest to arrive in Houston. His father was one who opened the first theater for Spanish language movies, the Azteca Theatre presently located across from Minute Maid Park. The other family members opened a variety of businesses that settled in the area on the northern side of Downtown Houston that was then known as “Little Mexico.” Sarabia focuses on the concern surrounding the maintenance of culture and language within the Mexican immigrant community and how Salon Juarez provided a community center where children could learn and freely speak Spanish, where dances and meetings could be held. Emilio describes the different Hispanic communities located around Houston and his experiences growing up as a Mexican in a mixed Anglo community. Preservation efforts surrounding Salon Juarez have faced difficulties and Emilio provides insight on his work with Tejano preservation associations and gives his opinion on what should become of Salon Juarez if it obtains a historical landmark status.