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Biography:
Businessman, entrepreneur, politician. Born in Hobson, Texas, on July 15, 1948. Educated at Karnes City High School and San Antonio College. In addition to his business career, Molina served as President of the San Antonio Mexican American Chamber of Commerce, Vice-President of the Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce, and Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.
Interview Summary:
Molina discusses his early life, family origins, family genealogy, public school experiences, educational endeavors as a student at San Antonio College, and his memories of racial discrimination against Mexican Americans in the public schools and political life. The interview also covers Molina's political activities in Texas, including his run for County Judge in Karnes County, Texas; campaigning for Henry Cisneros; and Molina's appointment as Deputy Executive Director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. Molina recalls his service in the military reserves, his family, career experiences in finance and sales, in the business world as a public relations manager for major corporations, as a business entrepreneur establishing his own finance company and public relations firm, and as a television weatherman/reporter. He discusses the roles of the Democratic and Republican parties in helping Hispanics organize politically in Texas, and his thoughts on the accomplishments and shortcomings of notable Hispanic leaders in Texas such as Albert Bustamante, Henry B. González, Henry Bonilla, Henry Cisneros, Judy Zaffirini and Pepe Martin. Molina gives his opinion about the positives and negatives of La Raza Unida Party, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) as effective Hispanic political organizations in Texas, and the roles that poor communications and lack of money play in hindering organizational unity among Hispanics in Texas politics.
Locations of residence or activity:
Karnes City
Interview Date:
4/12/1996