WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) released the following statement on the passing of Rudolfo Anaya, pioneering Chicano author and recipient of the National Humanities Medal:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rudolfo Anaya, a true American treasure,” Udall said. “Great authors and great literature inspire empathy—empathy with their characters and diverse experiences. Rudolfo Anaya helped render and share Chicano experiences in New Mexico with works like Bless Me Ultima . The son of a Santa Rosa vaquero, Anaya’s genius and ability to translate his experience and culture into prose has touched New Mexicans and readers across the world. It is more than fitting that he was recognized with the National Humanities Medal.
“But Anaya gave back to New Mexico through more than just his literary work. As an educator, he shared his talent and love of the written word with New Mexico high school students, the community of Santa Rosa, and as a professor at the University of New Mexico. My thoughts are with his family during this time, and I join New Mexicans in honoring a great author, a father of the Chicano literary movement, and a great man.”
