Popo_Lupe School submission-LULAC 2009 r
t,
League of United Latin American Citizens L'� www.dentonluiac.com
Denton Council#4366
P.O. Box 981
Denton, Texas 76202
February 2, 2009
Mr. Charles Stafford
President
Denton ISD
Board of Trustees
P.O. Box 2387
Denton, Texas 76202
RE: Emilio (Popo) and Guadalupe (Lupe) Gonzalez Proposal
Nomination for the Naming of a District Facility
Dear President Stafford, Members of the DISD Board and Superintendent Braswell:
As president of the Denton League of United Latin American Citizens, I am honored to
submit our nomination of Emilio (Pogo) and Guadalupe (Lupe) Gonzalez for the naming
of a district school facility, preferably the soon-to-be built school for young children.
Our school district has undergone many changes since Popo and Lupe first moved to
Denton in the early 1960's. Today, more than ever before,we realize the importance of
family and community relationships in shaping the lives of our youth,upon whom our
future depends. As we struggle to address the many challenges that affect our city and
schools,we are discovering what we have known all along: there is no substitute for the
personal involvement of people like Popo and Lupe who care in helping our children and
youth grow up to be strong and capable adults; adults who can make a positive
contribution toward the well-being of the society in which we live.
The attached testimonials from various citizens of Denton attest to the important role
both Popo and Lupe have played over many years in setting an example of success,
family commitment, community building and in giving so much of themselves to
improving the lives of others. So it for that reason that we in LULAC wholeheartedly
endorse the attached proposal and urge our friends in the Board to seriously consider
supporting our nomination.
In closing, I wish everyone in the Board the best and thank you for your spirit of
volunteerism and commitment in support of our kids and general community.
Sin rekA �
orothinez,President
Denton LULAC Council 44366
h �*t%, DENTON HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. Box 2536
Denton, Texas 76206
Tel 940-565-1919
Fax 940-565-1917
Celebrating Diversity in the Marketplace
February 3, 2009
Trustees of the Denton Independent School District ("DISD")
ATTN: Mr. Ray Braswell, Superintendent
1307 North Locust
Denton, Texas 76201
RE: Emilio "Popo" and Guadalupe "Lupe" Gonzalez
Dear Friends:
This past year, the Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ("DHCC") was challenged by our business
partners, higher education,the arts community,governmental agencies and a number of community based
organizations to forge new partnerships, open doors and make new friends by bringing together the over-
growing Hispanic community in the City of Denton with businesses, education,and various arts and human
services community based organizations ("CBO'S").
With the ongoing help and encouragement of Popo and Lupe Gonzalez and their wonderful contacts in the
religious, business, and nonprofit communities, DHCC has been able to celebrate and foster an awareness
of the diversity of our community that has helped educate, inform and motivate cooperative efforts between
various organizations in our community. This outreach of DHCC has touched not only our business
partners, friends and neighbors, but has also extended to our partners in higher education, the arts
community, governmental agencies and a number of CBO's.
I have personally been honored to call Popo and Lupe Gonzalez my friends since I relocated with my family
to Denton in 1995. At that time they were already well established leaders in our community having lived,
worked and served in Denton and for our neighbors the better part of their adult lives.
Popo and Lupe have both served in an exemplary mentorship for many in our community and whether it
involved education, arts, health, and or human services, I found that one or the other and sometimes both
had paved a path with other luminaries and giving people such as Troy and Sarah LaGrone, Bettye Meyers,
Tom Harpool,etc. Denton is the community we all love to live,work and play in because of good and giving
folks like Popo and Lupe and that is why they have been recognized with many accolades and honors from
numerous organizations.
It would be entirely appropriate that Denton ISD consider naming a school in the district to honor Popo and
Lupe for their longstanding commitment of service to our community. I personally request on behalf of the
Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that their names be placed on your naming list as soon as possible
so that a growing demographic of Denton can see a "home-grown" hero acknowledged with this honor.
Thank you for your kind attention to my comments of support and encouragement. Please feel free to call if
I can be of f her assistance or if you desire additional information.
Sincerel ,
D. Jorge Urbina, Chair
Denton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Denton ISD
061901
NEW FACILITIES
Denton Independent School District
1307N. Locust St.Denton, TX 76201
In accordance with policy CW(LOCAL),the Board has invited written nominations
for the naming of a District facility. A period of 45 days will be given for the
nominations.
Date of Call for Names: Facility to be Named: See below
Expected Date of Board Action:
The following provisions will govern the naming or renaming or school facilities:
• Facilities will generally be named for deceased persons who have made a
significant contribution to society as may be deemed appropriate by the
Board, streets or geographic areas within the District, or historical sites.
I. BUILDING AND/OR LOCATION PROPOSED FOR NAMING OR RENAMING
I propose that the New Early Childhood Education School to be built with Bond funds
II. PROPOSED NAME
be named for: Emilio(Pogo)and Guadalupe(Lupe) Gonzdlez
Check all that apply:
Deceased
_DISD staff member
_Historical Name
_Geographic Name
XX Other(see below)
Denton iau
061901
NEW FACILITIES CW
(EXHIBIT)
IV. REASONS FOR NOMINATION
believe the facility should be named for this(person) (place)(historical event) be-
cause:
V. Name(s) of person(s)or supporting group(s) responsible for nomination:
(sig (ature) (date)
(telephone number)
This form must be submitted to the Superintendent prior to
(date)
DATE ISSUED: 7/23/2007 2 of 2
LDU 2007.01
f \AI/CX1-IIRIT\_X
III. COMPREHENSIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REPORT(with work history if DISD
employee)or INFORMATION REPORT if historic or geographic name:
John Dewey,the famous educational philosopher,believed that schools are that part of the
community life through which society hands down its accumulated knowledge and values. This
task is difficult at best; it is almost impossible to achieve without the active participation of
members of the community at large. There is no substitute for the personal involvement of
community citizens who care in helping people(including our youth)become strong and capable
individuals who can make a positive contribution to society.
The Denton ISD was founded on the principles of community-based education. The success of
our schools is largely due to the continuing support and involvement of community people such
those we are recommending for the naming of the forthcoming school for young children. Emilio
and Guadalupe Gonzalez recognize the values of family,community relationships and
community building. They further realize that these values are basic in shaping the lives of our
youth upon whom our future depends.
Emilio and Guadalupe(better known to the Denton community as Popo and Lupe)moved from
south Texas to Denton in 1964. They established their barber and hair saloon business soon
after they arrived.Their business aptly named Popo and Lupe Hair Stylist is located at 216
Collins Street. They are the proud parents of three children,Emilio Leo(Wife: Sharon),Diana
(husband: Alex Lopez),and Ana Maria(husband: Moises Camargo). All three Gonzalez
children are graduates of the Denton Schools.
They also have 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
W. REASONS FOR NOMINATION
The new Denton ISD school for young children should be named for Emilio and Guadalupe Gonzalez
for the reasons stated by the nominators listed below:
Dear Trustees:
Denton ISD has a golden opportunity to honor two of the community's leading citizens,as the naming
of a new school comes under consideration. Popo and Lupe Gonzalez represent the highest standard of
what good citizenship represents,and I urge the Board of Education to reflect forward thinking
leadership in naming a school after two individuals revered by Hispanics,Blacks,Whites,and all other
people of diverse backgrounds who have any working knowledge about the Denton community and its
history.
Having lived in Denton since 1987, 1 fondly recall meeting this lovely,kind,and generous couple as
soon as I arrived in the community. Through the League of Latin American Citizens and the Immaculate
Conception Catholic Church, Hispanic newcomers to the community are warmly greeted and received into
the community. Popo and Lupe Gonzalez stand out among the first friends and supporters I met,and I
know that my case only one of thousands in Denton. Throughout the years I have had the honor to work
with them on numerous education and political committees,and always they stand out among the best
of the Denton community. These two honorable people are icons in the Denton community,and to name
a school in their honor is to pay tribute to one of the most humble yet highly revered citizens of our
community.
Thank you for your consideration and I hope you choose to honor two of the most deserving people
that make Denton a better place for all on a daily basis.
Gloria Contreras, Professor
University of North Texas
contrera@unt.edu
To the DISD School Board:
I submit the names of Emilio "Popo" and Lupe Gonzalez for the name of a school
that is in the planning stages. I have known both Popo and Lupe since I moved here
in 1981 and know them to be people who have been involved in the community on
many levels for more years than I have personally known them. They have
encouraged education at all levels in the local district, raised funds for students for
college and university scholarships, and have been involved at a deep level in their
local church. I know them to be of exemplary character that all students could
aspire to emulate. Therefore, it is my opinion that one or both of their names would
be appropriate for the name of a school in the Denton Independent School District.
Thank you for your consideration.
Annette Mulkey
1703 Westwood Drive
Denton, TX 76205
Having spent the past eight and a half years as a resident of the City of Denton I can say
confidently that there are few if any more deserving members of the greater Denton community
and certainly the city's growing Latino community than Mr. and Mrs. Emilio"Popo" and
Guadalupe Gonzalez for the special privilege and honor of having a Denton Independent School.
District school campus named after them.
I write to totally and completely support the proposition that the Denton ISD name a new school
campus after this tireless couple whose residence in the city dates back, to my knowledge, to the
mid-1960s. In the city's growing Latino community few other persons are as well known by
anyone and everyone than they. For more than forty years they have dedicated themselves to
the greater good of the city's Mexican American and Latino communities'_spiritual and material
needs. They are small business owners in the city. And they have been particularly involved in
the work of the city's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church parish. At the parish Popo
Gonzalez has been a lay Deacon for more years I can remember. They are called upon to serve
and assist the parish's more than 1000 Latino families, but their work in fomenting a sense of
community among the city's once small Mexican American community dates to the days when, as
he told me on one occasion when we discussed those early years, it was considered a success if
70 persons attended church services during the mid to late 1960s. Today the early afternoon
Spanish-language services offered at Immaculate Conception Church weekly typically draws a
sanding-room only congregation where easily more than 1000 persons attend church services.
Most of those in attendance are young families with children comprising a significant segment of
the church-going participants. Many different services are offered these members of the city's
growing Catholic community, and its Latino Catholic community in particular. In the midst of this
busy schedule of services that characterize the church's tireless work in our community are to be
found Deacon Emilio Gonzalez and his lifelong wife and companion, Guadalupe Gonzalez. The
two are inseparable and their continuous work for more than forty years now has and is often one
and the same. A better example of selfless and committed service to the greater good of our
city's quality of life and the education of both children and adults in our fair city would be difficult
to find. As the city's Latino population has grown, Emilio and Guadalupe Gonzalez have been
constantly present bearing witness with their actions and faith united in their goal of making the
lives of all a better one especially when great need or sudden misfortune strikes members of the
parish, today easily the larger of the city's two Catholic parishes.
The recent release earlier this week by the US Census Bureau of the American Community
Survey's estimated demographic data for the City of Denton finds that the Latino population in the
city comprises 18.2 percent of the total of more than 102,000 residents by the end of 2007.
Surely, by the time that the 2010 Census is completed and its results known, we will have
confirmation that more than 20 percent of our city's residents are Latinos. Half or more of this
number will be young people younger than 18 years old. Weekly, a good part of their moral
education is received at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. And there and for forty
years running this highly deserving husband and wife team of caring and committed community
leaders and workers, Emilio and Guadalupe Gonzalez, have been present to make sure that, to
the extent possible, no one goes wanting for whatever it is their needs are, spiritual and/or
material or both. This tireless social service, this continuously committed work on behalf of the
city residents' education and social integration, will be found year after year, week after week, this
entirely deserving couple.
It is high time this city recognized two of its original and authentic heroes, for together they are
one: Emilio "Pogo" and Guadalupe Gonzalez. I highly recommend the Denton School Board and
the Denton ISD through them see to it to recognize their enormous and priceless contributions to
our community's greater good by naming in their honor a school campus that will bear their name
such that new and future generations may remember the incredibly great gift that selfless
commitment is capable of giving and making of us all a bit better for their efforts.
Thank you very much for your time and reading of this statement in support of our esteemed
Dentonians.
Sincerely,
Roberto R. Calderon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of History
1121 Union Circle - PO Box 310650
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas 76203-0650
Tel. 940.369.8929/Office
Fax 940.369.8838/Dept.
E-mail: beto cj i.unt.edu
Home Address:
Roberto R. Calderon and Maria T. Jimenez
1620 Churchill Drive
Denton, Texas 76209
Tel. 940.384,7813
Dear DISD Board Members,
I understand our district is in the process of developing a new facility for young children. As it is
the custom to name schools to honor members of our community who have demonstrated
significant commitment to the people of Denton, I would like to suggest two citizens who have
demonstrated outstanding commitment to the people of Denton for many years.
I would like to recommend that you consider naming the new facility for young children The Popo
and Lupe Gonzalez School for Young_Children.
I have known Popo and Lupe for over thirty years. In all those years I have watched Lupe help
people who came to their salon in need of help that was not part of their business. She has
helped people find work to support themselves and their families. To this day, one of her elderly
customers is picked up at home and returned home by either Lupe or Popo when she needs a
haircut. When I was in the hospital for ten days with a very serious infection, Lupe came to the
hospital after shop hours to wash my hair for me when I was unable to do it myself. I know that
she has done this for other people when they were in need, as a volunteer service. For years,
Lupe cut the hair of the people with disabilities at the Denton State School and today some of
those adults are still brought to Lupe for haircuts, as this is sometimes a very difficult job. She is
the first to console those who have lost a family member and her concern for residents of all ages
and races continues.
I think almost everyone in Denton is aware of the work of Popo. I think his AARP card must have
his address at the city jail, as he has been visiting the jail to bring peace and comfort to the
imprisoned as long as I can remember.
I will tell you a story of the kind of man Popo Gonzalez is from my own experience and I know
that there are hundreds of other stories similar to mine.
In the 1980's I was the only secondary ESL teacher in DISD. At that time, all the secondary non
English speaking students were at Calhoun Jr. High and DHS. For the first few years, the DHS
students came to Calhoun and I taught all the students at Calhoun. Then as the program grew, I
went to both schools every day to teach English to the students. When this took place, a number
of the younger students started to be influenced by people outside of the school and began to
demonstrate"gang like" behaviors, including throwing signs, flashing colors, graffiti on the walls
and, worst of all, became less interested in the work involved in learning. Since I knew of
Popo's work volunteer work at the jail, I called him to ask if he could help me with some of my
students who appeared to be going in the wrong direction. Popo came to Calhoun to work with
the boys for about an hour each week for a long time, providing my students with the guidance
they needed to make good choices. His work with this group of students with no publicity, no
accolades, resulted in getting these young men through a difficult time in their lives.
These few examples show the strong commitment to the students and community of Denton that
has been demonstrated quietly for decades by Popo and Lupe. i believe that their work in both
the schools and community, which continues to this day, should be honored by naming the new
school after them.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours truly,
Kathleen Goldmann, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Guyer High School
Polno Gonzalez was a warded tie h Acst honor Aat The Collese ofPuLlic
airs and Community jervice Lestows, tie 1)istin�-ui54cdA ward for
Community,service Ly a Community Mem ier. This a ward was�'iven after
an extensive evaluation process. Popo wa5Siven the award for&5 life)ong
contriLutions ofassistance to Me Denton community and especiafy I-orliis
contributions on be%alfofits Hispanic citizens. His commitment to
improving conditions in the community and in assisting tlispanic children to
improve Meireducation is especially commendable. In addition be was cited
J'orhis contributions to students at the university ofNorth Texas. Popo
leas regularly contributed leis time and/snow/edge to assist university
students including future teacAcrs)to.better understand the f�ispanic
community through advising individual students and regularly lecturing to
classes.
jincere y,
Lydia JW del gincon
Mr. and Mrs. Emilio "Popo" Gonzalez have a total commitment and undying support
to the community, local educational institutions, church and social justice for the
oppressed and disenfranchised. Both, Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez live their beliefs and as
such provide a positive impact on every person they come in contact with. Mr. and
Mrs. John Guajardo, 1609 East Windsor Drive, Denton, Texas 76209.
As a parishioner for 28 years at ICC, I have known Popo & Lupe for their dedicated
service to our church. They are the "BEDROCK" of our church. Just like Jesus
entrusted the church to St. Peter, Deacon Popo is the bedrock of our church also. In bad
and good times he is there to serve for the people especially the Hispanic community,that
is why we have to build a bigger church when we had the ICC church in Elm Street. Not
only Popo & Lupe serve our parishioner they also help the migrant workers or daily
laborer looking for a day's work. Popo & Lupe deserve the right to have school named
after them.
Your Brother in Christ,
bro, mario & sis.Nitz
I first met Popo Gonzalez when I moved to Denton in 1964 and he was a
barber near the UNT campus. Darlyn first met Lupe in 1969 when they
were both in the maternity ward at Flow Hospital and has been going to
her hair salon ever since. Their son and our youngest son were born
minutes apart and later played football together in junior and high
school. Our families have been friends for over 40 years. Popo and Lupe
have been ardent supporters of UNT and Denton High sports,but more
importantly have befriended the hispanic community, particularly in
helping new residents from Mexico with their many problems when first
coming to town. Through the grapevine newer arrivals soon learned who
could help solve their many problems. Popo and Lupe's generosity,
sympathy, aid, and counsel have been unselfish and unending. A few
years ago Popo studied to become a lay priest in the local Catholic
church and is thus more intimately involved in the lives of hispanics
in the community. They are very kind, generous, and loving people who
are a real asset to the community. Being bilingual is a great asset
today in helping the largest minority in our community. Dr. Charles B. (Retired UNT
Professor) and Darlyn (Retired Denton ISD teacher) Martin.
Hello, I am a retired educator from the Denton ISD.
My field is Special Education, Si-lingual Education, and
Elementary Education. While in the DISD, I taught under four
Superintendents, and f ive Principals. After thirty two years in
the District, I retired and currently reside in the Austin area.
I have known Emilio"Popo" and Lupe Gonzalez for forty years.
When I f irst moved to the Denton area in 1967, they were the
f irst Hispanic family that I came in contact with.
As far back as I can remember Popo and Lupe have always been
there to help those in need in the Denton area, whether it was
financial assistance, food, shelter, warm coats, medical or legal
assistance.
They have both worked tirelessly to help improve the economic
and educational conditions for many families in Denton.
They provided this assistance not because it would bring them
recognition as noted philanthropists or community role models.
They did so because they saw the need, and it was the right thing
to do.
Even though I no longer live in the Denton area, I still stay in
touch with Popo and Lupe, and I am proud and honored to consider
them good friends.
Jean Hino josa
2507 Armstrong Dr
Leander, Texas 78641
Ph# 512/260-4025
1 would like to add my voice to the many whom I am sure are supporting the naming of a DISD
school in honor of Emilio and Guadalupe ("Popo and Lupe") Gonzalez, The Gonzaiezes are truly
one of Denton's "first families," and Popo and Lupe have demonstrated their love for the city and
for the school district through decades of tireless involvement and support. They have been
stalwart role models for at least two generations of Denton Hispanics. As true examples of
servant leadership and integrity, these bedrocks of the Denton community are well deserving of
the honor represented by the naming of a school for them.
Please let me know if I can provide any further support for this effort.
Rudy Rodriguez, Jr.
1983 Graduate of Denton High School
I have known Popo and Lupe for 30 years....I think a school would be proud to bear their names
as through all these years I have seen the "examples" of what I would think a school would want
everyone of their students to learn.........kindness, integrity, supportive of all, team players,
friendliness, ethical, and acceptance of all human kind.
They are indeed a pleasure to be around. You won't go wrong naming a school after these two!
Peggy Poirot
3801 Hampton Rd
Denton, Texas
As a faculty member at the University of North Texas, I was delighted by the support that the city
of Denton gave the UNT football team at one of the New Orleans Bowl football games. We
were all showing our university spirit at the pep rally on the afternoon of the game, but Popo took
the prize. He was ail"mean green"with even his beard dyed green. He and Lupe are always in
top form as they support our Denton universities.....Dr. Jim Poirot, University of North Texas
DISD should consider naming a new school in Emilio and Guadalupe Gonzalez's name
for the following reasons:
1. They epitomize the work ethic that should be recognized;
2. They both have selfishly volunteered many hours to help the needy, less fortunate
and less privileged in the community;
3. They are ordinary citizens that have reached out with kindness and
encouragement to one another to make a difference and convince them to keep
learning and dream of something better.
4. They have never sought recognition for their many hours of personal sacrifice for
the less fortunate;
5. They exemplify the American dream that with hard work, one can accomplish
great things in this country.
Blanca White
Denton ISD Graduate
I fully endorse Popo and Lupe's nomination based on my second hand knowledge of their
historical community involvement. Since my interaction with them has been of a
personal nature, I'm not sure if my comments regarding their family life,personal
integrity or high moral values would be appropriate for this form. However, I would
definitely like my name included in the nominating form because I think they are
deserving of it and because the community and the children of DISD have benefited from
both their community involvement and, in a lot of cases,their personal interaction in
those children's lives.
Antonio Puente, Jr.
Denton, Texas
(also president of the Robert E. Lee Elementary School PTA)
LAW OFFICE OF D. .JORGE URBINA
Attorney-at-Law
620 West Hickory Street Post Office Box 2536
Denton,Texas 76201 djurbina@texstar.us Denton, Texas 76202
940-565-1919 TEL legal@texstar.us FAX 940-565-1917
February 3, 2009
Trustees of the Denton Independent School District ("DISD")
ATTN: Mr. Ray Braswell, Superintendent
1307 North Locust
Denton, Texas 76201
RE: Emilio "Popo" and Guadalupe "Lupe" Gonzalez
Dear Friends:
I have been honored to call Popo and Lupe Gonzalez my friends since I relocated with my
family to Denton in 1995. At that time they were already well established leaders in our
community having lived, worked and served in Denton and for our neighbors the better part of
their adult lives.
It has always served me well to look for personal mentors when considering where to give of my
own time, talents and treasure. In this regard Popo and Lupe have both served in an exemplary
mentorship for me and for many others in our community. Whether it involved education, arts,
health, and or human services, I found that one or the other and sometimes both had paved a
path with other luminaries and giving people such as Troy and Sarah LaGrone, Bettye Meyers,
Tom Harpool, etc. Denton is the community we all love to live, work and play in because of
good and giving folks like Popo and Lupe and that is why they have been recognized with many
accolades and honors from numerous organizations.
It would be entirely appropriate that Denton ISD consider naming a school in the district to honor
Popo and Lupe for their long standing commitment of service to our community. I ask that their
names be placed on your naming list as soon as possible so that a growing demographic of
Denton can see a "home-grown" hero acknowledged with this honor.
Thank you for your kind attention to my comments of support and encouragement. Please feel
free to call 'f I can be of further assistance or if you desire additional information.
Sincerel ,
D. Jorge Urbina
OUTLINE OF POPO' MAIN EVENTS OF HIS LIFE
Emilio"Popo"Gonzalez
216 W. Collins St.
Denton, Texas 76201
Born in Robstown,Texas in 1936
U.S. Army, 1955-59
Moved to Denton, 1964
EDUCATION:
Robstown High School: GED
San Antonio Barber School
E.M.T.,Denton, Tx.
Permanent Diaconate Formation for Ft. Worth Catholic Diocese and
Ordained as a Deacon., 1995
COMMUNITY INVOLMENT
VFW, 1966
Big-Brothers 1973-76
Familias Unidas Organization, 1970(First Hispanic organization which later became
LULAC)
Lulac, 1975 to present
Ymca 1971
Juvenile Board, 1978
Traffic Commission Board, 1980
Child Welfare Board. 1980
War on Drugs, 1980
Selective Service Board(State Appointment) 1980 to 2000
Hope Board, 1997-1998
Civil Service Commission, 1997-2000
Denton I.S.D.
---Male mentor for Special Education program, 70's
---Group leader for Hispanics at Risk students at Calhoun Middle School
---speaker for cultural awareness and for drug awareness at elementary schools
UNT
---1964,mentored U.N.T. Hispanic students who were lonely away from home
HONORS AND AWARDS
Volunteer Merit Award, Denton State School, 1976
Appreciation Award, Lulac, 1976-77; 89-90; 91-93
Appreciation Award, University of North Texas, 1980
National Association of Social Workers Citizen of the Year Award, 1983
Recognition Award,Denton Record Chronicle, 1988
Veterans of Foreign Wars/Political Action Committee Recognition Award Texas VFW
Post 2205
Appreciation Award, Selective Service, 1990
Hispanic Salute for Foundation, Dallas, Tx., 1992 ( Recognized for his outstanding
contribution to Education and Literacy in the Hispanic Community
Joyce Ann Brown/Popo Gonzalez Scholarship Fund established in 1997 by the Schools
of Communities of Service in North Texas University in recognition to commitment to
equality opportunity.
Denton Rotarian Award to an individual,2001
Recognition Award for dedicated service commitments as mentor given by the Ronald E.
Mcnair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement program, 2002 at the University of North Texas
Catholic Diocese of Ft. Worth, Hispanic Ministry Awwar, 10/08
Popo has always been available and has given of his time to anyone regardless of race or
background especially the under-privilege. He is a social justice advocate especially for
the day-laborers.
Popo's favorite ministry is that of visiting the inmates at the County-jail. He enjoys
visiting the sick especially the elderly.
Wife: Lupe Gonzalez
CHILDREN:
Ana Maria Camargo &husband, Moises Camargo (940) 391-2621
Diana Lopez&husband,Alex Lopez(940) 391-1940
Emilio Leo Gonzalez (USA MARINE) & Wife, Sharon(208) 863-0310
GRAND-CHILDREN:
Melissa Escobedo, 30 (940)383-3998
Miguel Lopez, 23, USA AIRFORCE
Marco Lopez,20
Moises Camargo, 20
Maria Elena Camargo, 17
Macario Camargo, 13
Emilio Lorenzo Gonzalez(Deceased)
Diego Gonzalez, 9
Isabela Gonzalez, 8
Olivia Gonzalez, 7
Mateo Gonzalez, 9 mo.
GREAT-GRAND-CHILDREN
Robert(Bobby) Escovedo, 13
Vincente Escovedo, 10
(To be born within a month)Kimberly Alexandria Lopez
Step-great-grand children: Jacqueline and Elizabeth
Guadalupe "Lupe" Gonzalez Biographical Information
Library Board: 1983-1989
Child Protective Board: Aprox, 1992
Volunteer Denton ISD Home Intervention Program
for Young Children (HIPPY) Program
Assisted Rosemary Rodriguez in the Parent
Education Program
Christian Pre-school Board: In the '90 and cannot
remember the exact year
Denton City & County School Board 2000
Volunteer at the Immaculate Conception Catholic
Church for 30 years.
2008 started working for ICC as part-time Hispanic
Ministry Coordinator
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.. SLi-Iul'grarn/JEI%FERY WASiuNGTON
A scholarship in honor of Joyce Ann Brown•'and Emilio"`Popov'Gowalez will be established at the University of North Texas
*1 righ b ackers
Scholaillophip h01"U01_11*S3C1V1 Ilk)
BY CAROL LEWIS prison before being exonerated of rob- degrees. Their major.fund-raiser, a ban-
star-Telegram
staff writer bery and murder, and Gonzalez, a long- quet and auction,will be at 7 p.m. Satur-
DENTON — When Joyce Ann time champion of civil rights, did not day at the Renaissance Hotel, 2222
Brown and Emilio "Popo" Gonzalez expect the students to establish the Joyce Stemmons Freeway in Dallas.
shared their stories of adversity with Ann Brown/Popo Gonzalez Scholarship Gonzalez, owner of Popo Y Lupe
sociology classes at the University of Fund. Hairstyling Center in Denton and found-
North Texas last year, students said they Students are trying to raise $50,000 ing member of the Denton League of
were inspired to help others. for scholarships to help students who United Latin American Citizens, said he
But Brown, who spent 9%.years in can overcome adversity and earn (More on UNT on Page 10)
N o
Mout Me Menefadars-
f inner
Papa is a eoeae Awger that das donated dausands of/fours to cammunit� &='
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service: tutored and mentdred c�iifdren in �enton sint>gece mid 60s.
CJ� ese ntatzan CfCt�Qt�a�SZ s
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fflopo urlfp >fe is.a BraBer and Ae roifl°tee'you lfis storrd. gapa uroried
tlfe Z.00 pm to 700 am slf� at a �ge-xas .,
auidcotton din. �ne morning after }
wort, Ae and some friends decided to het d 'etair cut a
fler ,`uyari, ;ry ;..
v -
2Gtfortunateey, t& eocae Br,&,- informed Mem Uat lie did not cut dYtexican
1r°.air But dat Mere was a Barger in anaMer toum dat did. OTAat did it/fflapo can
decided to yo Become a Barger. 9Lt, if dour community needs a Barger, �a
Become one. Jf it needs a teacPcer;yo Become one.
Waa� a ammunit errice
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Aye .W= gown seared 9 Vicars 5 mon66 24 days for a crime A did
z,
not commit. jQaA u B eocae audwritim rGzeur 3Ae urns innocent tt°ze
8 praseeuted
9��eceiptenhv.
leer and gained a yuh verdict from Oe aeruAte jury. 5t4ier 60 Mnutes..
aired Aer st on ffunda s/f'e urns out an Nednesda o e
O7� %, � f yc Anrz made a
me out and�g/it for de innocent peapee,in.prison. 5le Igas done sa
� �. (Tene(( CWa0er
zrour to co
uriMaut any Bitterness ar anger. us, if aomeone does jou wrong, clfannee it Y
into a positive outcome. xissffanC61 dpez
Emilio"Popo' Gonzalez
Daniel N1.Johnson Award of Distinction for Community Service
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iUti1CICIit Ci Denton since 1964,>iJ-r, L1`tlfll'V "Iyop{}' GG37Lri1eL has bcC011le
known throughout the Metroplex area and beyond for his promotion of the
civil rights (.)fall people and his dedicatioii to the concept of community. Even
his business, the Popo Y Lupe Hairstyling Center, is in a way a result of his
determination to do what he could to end racial prejudice. Following his
military service during the Korean War,he had returned to work in the West
Texas cotton fields when he and several co-workers were refused haircuts because of their ethnicity. It was then that Mr.Gonzalez decided to go to (School Of Community &fytof
barber-school under the G.I. Bill;his dream at that time was to own a shop
one day where Hispanics as well as others would be welcome. He
accoml;lishcd his dream, and in the process did much more. He made his
services available to inmates, the sick, and nursing home residents and
continues to do so. Today, too, he works with at-risk Hispanic junior high
students and...non-English-speaking elementary students and serves frequently
as a translator. Active in the comr-,uuity, he was a founding member of the
Denton Lea,ue of United Latin American Citizens and recently was Av rds of D stin(C io baflqul—_t
instrumental in providing a pavilion to shelter day laborers as they await job
assignments.
To Dentonites and countless others, "Popo'Gonzalez is a model to be
emulated and an inspiration for all. In short,he exemplifies the highest ideals
of community service.
ra
November 7, 1997
Unive siti off, North Texas
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T)li!V'fON YdECORP-CkiFiONFCLE/IVAI3IL MAItIC
Popo Gonzalez is Denton's new Civil Service Corrunissioner.
i _`.'o missi 's new member values i e
By Jane Ramos Trimble do, he has followed through. He is a work force that the police depart-
5talt'writer roan of his word and I have a lot of ment has achieved.
respect for him." ,Serving on the Civil Service Com-
Eimilio "Popo" Gonzalez has The problems Mr. Gonzalez has mission, Mr. Gonzalez will make.'
i agreed to serve on Denton's Civil had with earlier police chiefs grew sure that state laws regulating ern-
Service Commission because he un- out of his desire to achieve equal ployment and promotion of police ;
derstands the challenges working rights and equal opportunity for all and firefighters are followed. With
people face, because he wants to residents of Denton. the other two commissioners, he
make a contribution to his comma- "Chief Jez has hired quite a few will approve promotions and eligi-
nity, and because Police Chief Mike Hispanic policemen — several who bility lists. The commission also
Jez asked him to. are bilingual," Mr. Gonzalez said. holds hearings on promotions, job
Mr. Gonzalez was appointed to "This is very important when you performance and reclassification of
the commission this month by City have people calling the police for police officers and firefighters.
Manager Ted Benavides. Chief Jez, help, or who are arrested, who His experiences trying to work'
who also is director of operations don't speak English." and succeed in business in Texas
for the city, approached Mr. Gonza- Mr. Gonzalez and his wife, Lupe, have given Mr. Gonzalez an abid-
lez in late July to ask if he would served for many years as volunteer ing respect for working people.
accept Mr. Benavides'nomination. translators for the police depart- "When I came home from Korea,
"I have known three or four po- ment, courts system and other pub- after three years in the Army, I;
lice chiefs in my 32 years in Denton lic agencies in Denton. couldn't find a good job in South
and had problems with all of them Mr, Gonzalez believes it is time Texas, where I grew up. They,just
but Chief Jez," Mr. Gonzalez said. that Denton's fire department has
"Everything he has said he would the same kind of diversity on its See GONZALEZ/IOA
of at
flr-
__. , ,__�)f___ icA Cen the
hick mayGonzalez
i
gut is re- From ,ubbock, which was miles guys" who didn't know how to Po Y Dupe's on Collins Street,
away," Mr. Gonzalez remem- cut younger styles. where they have unproved the :
wouldn't hire us (Hispanics). hers. Mr. Gonzalez heard these appearance of local folks for
A�
So 1 was a common laborer, a "The next day, I started complaints as a personal invi- more than 25 years.
migrant field worker," Mr. planning. When the cotton tation to move to Denton, and During this time, Mr. Gon-
ule Gonzalez remembers. season was over, i went to within a few months he was zalez served on Denton's Traf-
He hadn't graduated from San Antonio and, using my GI the new barber at Mayo's Bar- fic Advisory Board; Juvenile
high school because he was ex- Bill, went to barber school. ber Shop in Denton. Within a Probation Advisory Board and
pelled for speaking Spanish When I finished, I went back year, he had his own shop, Po- SPAN Board. He is a member
three times in one day in his and worked in the fields for $5 po's of Denton, on Prairie of the board of directors for
Glow classroom. a day. At night, I cut hair for Street next to UNT's athletic TWU CARES and has served
,d 'That experience demonstrat- the laborers — 50 cents each," fields. on the boards of Ann's Haven
ed to him how tough it was Mr. Gonzalez said. He was there for what he Hospice and AIDS of Denton.
going to be to make his way in After a year in the fields, he describes as "the best 10
W the world as a Hispanic who had saved enough to start bar- years" of his life. He is a deacon at imrnacu- IV
was proud of his heritage. bering full time in. Rostown, Part of what made these late Conception Catholic
Lye That experience was rein- his home town. years so wonderful was the op- Church, and he and his wife
forced years later when, as a In 1964, a chance meeting portunity to indulge his pas- volunteered for manor years at
migrant field worker, he and in his barber shop changed his sion for sports. He played foot- the Denton State School, cut-
several of his co-workers went life, ball and baseball in high tin
g the children's hair.
Flight into town one evening to get Three young men from Ros- school and is an ardent Cow- Although they do not think
haircuts. town had come to Denton to boys and Rangers fan. He goes of retiring, they are working
"We had been working for attend the University of North to UNT and area high school less now so that they can en- -:
weeks and really needed a Texas. During a trip back football games whenever possi- joy time spent with their two
barber. We found a shop still home, they all visited their fa ble. daughters, one son six grand- 4
open, but the guy wouldn't cut vorite barber, Mr. Gonzalez, He left the Prairie Street children and one great-grand-
our hair because we were and complained that all the shop when he and his v�sfe, child, all of whorn live in or
li � e�icans. He told us to go to barbers in Denton were "old T upe, a beautician, opened Po- near Denton.
Deaths
Ji mmydene Roberts visitation will be from 7 to 8 to Survivors inc3ude her husband;
bo Forestfaurg -.— Jimmydene night at tr,Q funarai.►.n.+��----
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