Parras, Juan

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Date
2009-08-18
Main contributors
Center for Public History, University of Houston; University of Houston Libraries, University of Houston
Summary
This is an oral history interview with Juan Parras conducted as part of the Houston History Project. Juan Parras was born in Big Spring, TX, where he grew up until he left for high school to St. Anthony's Seminary in San Antonio, TX with support from his local parish.  After high school he spent a year studying at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, received his associates from Harvard County Junior College, and studied at the University of Houston.  The focus of this interview is on Parras' professional life first working for the welfare department of Harris County Social Services, then as a union organizer for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).  He began his environmental work with an organization fighting against unsafe environmental standards of a company called Shintech in Convent, LA.  Parras was then hired by Green Peace, followed by a position at the Texas Southern University Law School doing environmental justice outreach, and finally as founder and director of Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Service (T.E.J.A.S.).  During his time at TSU, Parras worked to move the proposed location for Cesar Chavez High School because of its location near many refineries.  With T.E.J.A.S., he continues to raise awareness and push for environmental justice in communities that do not have the resources or political clout to fight environmental causes. Interviewer: Natalie Garza.
Genre
interviews
Subjects
Mexican Americans; Parras, Juan H.
Location
Houston, Texas
Collection
Oral Histories from the Houston History Project
Unit
University of Houston Libraries Special Collections
Language
English
Rights Statement
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Notes

Collection

University of Houston Libraries Special Collections
Houston History Archives
Oral Histories from the Houston History Project
Other Identifier
Preservation Location: ark:/84475/pm34472w43v
Resources
Finding Aid
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