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Chicano Studies Pioneer Rodolfo Acuña Passes Away at 93

4/10/2026

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Story summary

Rodolfo F. Acuña, Chicano studies scholar, died on March 23 at age 93 in Los Angeles.
He founded one of the first Chicano studies programs at California State University, Northridge, in 1969.
Acuña earned a Ph.D. in Latin American history in 1968.
Although critics faulted his blending of scholarship with activism, Acuña inspired many students.
His book Occupied America: A History of Chicanos argued that Mexican Americans face internal colonialism.

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Story summary

Rodolfo F. Acuña, Chicano studies scholar, died on March 23 at age 93 in Los Angeles.
He founded one of the first Chicano studies programs at California State University, Northridge, in 1969.
Acuña earned a Ph.D. in Latin American history in 1968.
Although critics faulted his blending of scholarship with activism, Acuña inspired many students.
His book Occupied America: A History of Chicanos argued that Mexican Americans face internal colonialism.