[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 220 (Thursday, December 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF ANSELMO F. ARELLANO

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                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 23, 2021

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Anselmo ``Chemo'' F. Arellano. As a historian, educator, author, and 
activist, Anselmo used his talents to preserve New Mexico's rich 
culture and history. In Northern New Mexico, he was what we call a 
seeker of el oro del barrio--the knowledge which is the gold of our 
community.
  Anselmo was born on April 27, 1944, in Springer, New Mexico. His 
family instilled in him a love for his heritage and culture which 
remained with him throughout his life. Anselmo spent many years as a 
postsecondary educator in New Mexico. His passion for learning and 
sharing his knowledge was apparent to those who had the opportunity to 
meet and learn from him.
  Anselmo's career in education began at Fresno State University at the 
age of 25, where he taught courses in ethnic studies and directed a 
program for first-generation minority college students. While working 
at Fresno State, he also volunteered for the United Farmworkers 
Organizing Committee.
  As a distinguished Ford Foundation Fellow, Anselmo received his Ph.D. 
in American Studies from the University of New Mexico in 1990. He used 
his education to preserve the history, culture, and traditions of 
Northern New Mexico and taught others to do the same. Anselmo was 
nationally recognized for his work and was selected as a featured 
historian by the Smithsonian Institute for its New Mexico exhibit.
  Like many Nuevo Mexicanos, Anselmo knew the power of community and 
that acequia es comunidad. That's why he worked to secure land and 
water rights for New Mexicans across the state. Understanding the 
hardships that his community faced, Anselmo also worked to improve 
access to education, housing, and health care. He served on boards for 
numerous community organizations and institutions including the 
National Hispanic Cultural Center.
  On behalf of Nuevo Mexico's, Third District, I am honored to 
recognize the extraordinary life of Anselmo ``Chemo'' F. Arellano--a 
humble and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I hope that 
his legacy will be carried on by everyone he shared his knowledge with 
and by those who knew and loved him.

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