Henry B. Gonzalez, the trail-blazing congressman from San Antonio, Texas, overcame great odds to become one of the nation's most beloved--and sometimes hated--leaders. The son of Mexican-born parents, Gonzales rose through the political ranks from being a San Antonio city councilman to one of the most powerful members of the United States Congress.

Gonzales served the 20th congressional district of Texas from 1961 to 1999. He was loved and hated for the same reason: "Henry B." was el don de la gente, a man of the people. He helped them without regard to power, politics, or money.