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Early Life
Henry Barbosa Gonzalez was born in San Antonio, Texas May 3rd, 1916. His parents Leonides and Geoveva Gonzalez fled Mexico due to the Mexican Revolution that occurred in 1911. His parent immediately found work and soon after focused on their children's future. From early on, his parents recognized that education was an essential to have in the new country they had moved to. Therefore, Henry himself, recognized the importance of education at a very young age. -
Personal Life
While completing his undergrad studies. Henry met his wife Bertha Cuellar. Bertha was only 23 years old when she married Henry. Together they had 8 children Henry B. Gonzalez Jr., Charles Gonzalez, Stephen Gonzalez and Frank Gonzalez; daughters Bertha Denzer, Genevieve Barto and Anna Ihle. -
Education
Immediately after graduating from Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Henry went on to continue his studies at San Antonio Junior College (associate) and The University of Texas at Austin for his (bachelors degree). It wasn't until attending St. Mary's University School of Law in 1943 that his gained Juris Doctorate. -
Professional Development
Soon after earning his degree at St. Mary's, Henry became an assistant juvenile probation officer. Just three years in proving his hard work, he was soon promoted to Chief Juvenile Probation officer in 1946. While in this position, Henry experience first-hand the racism in the work environment when he was told he could not hire a black staff member. Furious with the deficient juvenile system, this motivation him to not only resign from his position soon after promoted but make a change. -
First Mexican Texas Senator
Motivated by experiences to make a change in Texas Society, Henry B Gonzalez starting a career in politics. He first succeeded in winning a seat on the San Antonio City Council and later became to FIRST Mexican-American state senator in 1956. Throughout his life, he had faced discrimination and prejudice, and finally to be working alongside other statesmen, he was still referred to as "that Mexican". -
Senator to US Congressman
After inspiring many minds and working race involved cases in the state of Texas, Henry wanted to make changed not only for the benefit of Texas alone, but for the entire United States. By gaining many endorsements from Governors Prince Daniel, Senator Ralph Yarborough, PRESIDENT JFK, and VP Lyndon B Johnson, he then won the seat in 1961. While in this position, Gonzalez immediately took action in addressing issues involving banking, insurance, urban renewal, and housing affairs. -
San Antonio Congressman retires
After years of campaigning, gaining attention for voting rights, civil rights (most notably assisted with Brown v. Board), and structuring multiple systems. Henry B Gonzalez retires from public service. -
Legacy
After many years of public service, Henry B Gonzalez will and always is recognized locally by Texas Natives. Whether is be historians of his hometown in San Antonio or by institutions (Henry B. Gonzalez Elementary School) that were names after him. His legacy still continues to live on and motivate the younger generation of the possibilities of a person that came from the same circumstances.
