Release Date: July 7, 2006
 Office of District 2 Councilwoman Sheila McNeil: 207-7278

Councilwoman McNeil to Dedicate Street to Emilio Navaira, Jr., Father of Local Grammy Award Winner

On Monday, July 10, at 10:00 a.m., Councilwoman Sheila McNeil will dedicate a street to the late Emilio Navaira, Jr. The ceremony will take place at the Alamodome inside Lot A, along E. Durango and across from Bill Miller Bar-B-Q.

In 1971, Emilio received his barber’s license and began his career in District 2 at Victoria Barber Shop the next year. Shortly thereafter, the owner retired and Emilio took over the shop. Year after year, his clientele list grew. He serviced many known companies such as Mission Ice House, the Federal Building, Alamo Iron Works and St. Peter-St. Paul’s Orphanage along with Judge Edmundo Zaragoza and St. Michael’s Catholic Church. One of Emilio’s most notable clients was the late Raul Jimenez of Jimenez Food Products whose office was located off IH-35 in District 2. Because he had his hair cut regularly, Mr. Jimenez had a barber chair installed in his office. Every Monday, Emilio would do him the favor of traveling to his office to cut his hair.

On June 6, 1960, Emilio married Mary Hernandez. They had three children, 2003 Grammy Award Winner Emilio Navaira, III, singer/songwriter Raul, and their only daughter, Yvette.

During his tenure at the barber shop, the elder Navaira and his wife would make homemade tamales for Christmas and serve them to his customers. Each summer, he would offer his services, free of charge, to the local children just in time for school. He never turned anyone away, because he understood their needs and would often service the community with free haircuts.

His love and dedication never faltered for his family, his barbershop and the District 2 community. Councilwoman McNeil will honor Navaira by dedicating a street in his name.

Come join the Navaira family and the District 2 community in celebrating the life of one of San Antonio’s prominent residents.