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George Martínez
(215 KB, 85 pg)
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Biography:
Born September 11, 1944, Mr. Martínez was the first Mexican American state district judge in Texas. He was appointed to the 254th District Court by former Governor Dolph Briscoe in 1977. Martínez is a graduate of The University of Texas, having earned his B.A. degree in history in 1966 and his law degree in 1970. He has taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of Texas at Arlington in the area of business law.
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Interview Summary:
Martínez discusses his family history and genealogy. He describes his memories of race discrimination practices by white Catholic teachers, coaches, and military personnel. Martínez relates the reasons he decided to attend law school, and he talks about his political activism when a law student. He gives details about his involvement with the Economy Furniture Strike and the Vietnam War protest. Martínez elaborates upon his duties and activities as a municipal court judge and as a state district judge. He tells about his role with lawsuits involving single member districts, Dallas school desegregation, and Tarrant County redistricting. Martínez also describes his duties and accomplishments as a Texas state circuit judge for child custody and child support issues. He gives details about the management and financing of his election campaigns. Martínez summarizes the evolution of the Mexican American Democrats (MAD) and talks about his involvement. He elaborates upon the political problems within the MAD membership and provides insight into how those conflicts led to the breakup of MAD and the formation of the Tejano Democrats organization. Martínez also discusses the problems of the Raza Unida Party that he saw as inherent from its inception. He concludes the interview by stating his opinion that the most important issue for the Mexican American community is the need to continue fighting for the elimination of race discrimination practices in economic opportunity, education, and employment.
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Locations of residence or activity: Austin/Tarrant County
Interview date: 8/24/1997
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