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An Interview With Chris Medina
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| Title | An Interview With Chris Medina |
| Abstract | Interviewer: Irene Ruiz. Interview recorded September 24, 1980. 1 sound cassette (ca. 90 minutes): analog, stereo.; 5 7/8 x 2 1/2 in., 1/8 in. tape; 1 sound disc; digital; 4 3/4 in. Has printed guide to contents. |
| Notes | At the time of the interview, Mr. Medina was director of Guadalupe Center, Inc. He was born in 1951 in Mexico City and came to Kansas City in early 1950s, living in the West Side. In the interview he recalls his early life, work experience including at Guadalupe Center, etc.
Number 31 on MP3 disc. |
| Date | 1980-09-24 |
| Location | SC69-1, Tape 35, CD 35 |
| Local Subject | Guadalupe Center
Oral History
West Side
Medina, Chris
Hispanic Americans
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| Item Type | Archival Material
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| Transcription | Synopsis of Interview:
Mr. Medina is director of Guadalupe Center, Inc. Born in 1951 in Mexico City. Mother had been born and raised in Kansas City, father from Mexico. Moved to West Side a few years after Medina's birth (1953 or 1954). Raised on West Side, lived in several houses.Attended kindergarten at Douglas School, parochial schools for grades 1-12.
Mother's name: Teresa Garcia. Father born and raised in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. Three sisters. West side has more vacant lots, fewer businesses and residents now. Recalls specific locations of various buildings. Father worked for Swift's packing house until it closed. Has done body and fender work for several companies. Mother stayed home until children were in school, then worked at Empire Candle Company on Southwest Blvd. and at Jack Henry's to help pay school tuition. All children attended parochial schools.
Various school recollections. Extracurricular activities provided by Guadalupe Center. Day camp, sports, social clubs, parties, annual fiestas. Mother also participated in Guadalupe Center as a child. During Medina's youth, the center was for the entire community. Now there are 2 centers, several other organizations which serve the community. Remembers Kennedy assassination, distress of Catholic community. Had older friends drafted for Vietnamese War but was not drafted himself.
Graduated high school 1970, attended Penn Valley one semester, worked for a year. Enrolled in Platt Business College, graduated as junior accountant. Worked for Butler Manufacturing after graduation using both accounting and Spanish skills. Studied Spanish in high school, when he learned to read and write the language. Spoke it with father and grandparents. Handled Puerto Rican business deals for Butler for 5 years. Became bored, quit in 1978.
Hired originally by Guadalupe Center Inc. as youth coordinator. Became interim director in February 1980, executive director in July 1980. Married in 1977, has one child. Would like to see the Guadalupe Center, Inc. become the leader in West Side social programs. Desires more harmony, sharing of resources among the numerous social agencies. Biggest influences in life were father; Joe Ramirez, athletic director at the Guadalupe Center during youth; Tony Geary, current Center Inc. athletic director. |
| Access This Item | You may come to the Missouri Valley Room to listen to the interview. |
| Item ID | 210356 |
| CONTENTdm number | 36353 |
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