Remembering Rudolfo Anaya who changed Chicano Literature

One of the most celebrated writers in Chicano literature, Rudolfo Anaya, has passed away at the age of 82. Best known for his novel Bless Me, Ultima which follows a young Latino that meets a curandera (Ultima) who guides him through his tumultuous upbringing. The story inspired many Latino writers across the globe and was even adapted into a film in 2012.

Here are some online testimonials that celebrate the late author and illustrate the lasting impact of his work.

I'm deeply saddened to hear of the death of Rudolfo Anaya, one of New Mexico’s greatest artists.

While his passing is a great loss for New Mexico, his life & his work was an incredible gift, not just to New Mexico but to the world. His words & stories will be treasured forever. pic.twitter.com/RMtKhnfhoS

— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) June 30, 2020

Rudolfo Anaya, a father of Chicano literature, dies at 82 https://t.co/8opLlOZs0b #RudolfoAnaya #fatherofChicanoliterature #art #newspaper pic.twitter.com/t49QZvajfI

— ArtDaily, The First Art Newspaper on the Net (@artdaily) July 6, 2020

In a way, I did. I 1st communicated with Rudolfo Anaya in the mid-90s when I asked him for publishing advice. We corresponded a few times after that, & he wrote the endorsement for my 1st book’s cover. He’s the father of #Chicano #literature & my inspiration. May he RIP.

— Carmen Baca (@carmen_author) July 9, 2020

@RudolfoAnaya #RudolfoAnaya #writer #ChicanoLiterature #Literature #books #author #NewMexico #RIP pic.twitter.com/D3iJ29yC76

— Eric J. Garcia (@garciaink) July 7, 2020

To quote Rudolfo Anaya: pic.twitter.com/apKd8qpj0C

— Iván Fernández (@afroxander) July 7, 2020

The first one I bring up, “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya, is the first book that I experienced a spiritual change on how I perceived what a “Mexican” really is, which is a concept of a Spanish Paternal father & an Indigenous Maternal mother. pic.twitter.com/woiLzrG7Zy

— sol (@soldelcielo_) July 7, 2020

https://twitter.com/meginlj/status/1280262357260947457

We are sad to hear the passing of author, Rudolfo Anaya on June 28. Rudolfo Anaya is considered the "godfather" of Chicano/a literature for his nationally renowned work and will be missed dearly. Visit https://t.co/xRhNuchcOU to access the Rudolfo A. Anaya Digital Archive. pic.twitter.com/SmxIDD9KN1

— UNM Libraries (@UNMLibraries) July 6, 2020