During his time from 1978 to 1982 teaching Chicano Studies at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), Anselmo Arellano profoundly touched the lives of countless students—especially those from New Mexico’s centuries-long Hispanic background. “He woke many of us up to our history, culture, and heritage.” To several of his students at NMHU and elsewhere, Anselmo not only became a life-long mentor and friend, he also gave them hope.
A humble and kind man, Anselmo’s passion for sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of history and genealogy was known to all. People from far and wide and all walks of life, including prominent scholars and authors, would seek him out. And he never turned anyone away. “If Anselmo met someone he didn’t know, from just asking them their last name and where their family came from, within minutes he could tell them how they fit in the world.” He always used his knowledge to lift people up.
Born on April 27, 1944, in Springer, New Mexico to Eduardo and Annie Arellano, “Chemo” was one of 12 siblings in a household where Spanish was still the first language spoken. Although his family had a long and rich history in New Mexico (the Arellanos arrived in 1665 as part of the Spanish army reconquest under Diego de Vargas), like many Hispanic families from Northern New Mexico, Anselmo grew up in poverty.
As a child, Chemo spent countless hours with his mother (also gifted with a remarkable memory) listening to family stories about times past. Childhood friends also recall evenings huddled around his abuela Ana’s woodburning stove as she recounted stories about los ancianos that always evolved into spooky tales. When not in the library, Chemo could be found reading books on a rooftop overlooking his friends as they played, or in the Springer marching band blowing on his baritone. And then there were the ever-present Arellano family gatherings. Perhaps it was this perfect storm of being graced with intelligence, a photographic memory, strong family values, and a rich cultural heritage that inspired Chemo to overcome poverty and other systemic inequalities and pursue his dreams.
Anselmo’s career in education started in 1969 (aged 25) at Fresno State University where he taught ethnic studies and directed a program for minority students who were among the first in their families to attend college. While at Fresno, he volunteered with the United Farmworkers Organizing Committee (a union motivated by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta), also supporting the movement by marching in protests with his two-year-old daughter.
A recipient of a prestigious Ford Foundation Fellowship, by 1990 when “Dr. Anselmo Arellano” received his Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of New Mexico (UNM), he had already researched, assembled, edited, authored, translated, and published numerous books and articles in Spanish and English. Historical events, family histories, literature, poetry, culture, and folklore of Northern New Mexico dating back to the 1800’s—histories, and works about and by Hispanics—may have otherwise been lost forever had it not been for Anselmo’s efforts. “He was deeply proud of our history and culture and committed his life to keep the traditions and culture of Northern New Mexico alive.”
His research extended beyond New Mexico to encompass intercultural historical exchanges and collaborations with scholars in Mexico and Spain. Nationally, he was selected by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. as a featured historian for their exhibit on New Mexico.
Anselmo’s enduring legacy also includes an invaluable collection of oral history recordings housed at UNM’s Center for Regional Studies; his work with Reies Lopez Tijerina to restore New Mexico land grants to the descendants of their Spanish colonial and Mexican owners, and his historical research and writings on New Mexico’s acequias to establish water priority rights and adjudication throughout the state.
Most of his career as an educator (primarily post-secondary) was dedicated to working in Northern New Mexico. Throughout many of these rural communities, he inspired minds and improved opportunities for youth who continue to experience challenges of poverty and systemic inequalities that he faced as a child as well—a reality that saddened Anselmo throughout his life. He often lamented, “We move two steps forward and three steps back.”
To soothe his soul, Anselmo would sing ranchera and mariachi songs like El Rey and El Cantador—and he had a beautiful voice. “The songs captured the sorrow and hurt of our people. But he always moved forward and looked for a future of how we could change things for the good.”
Anselmo served the community in many ways. He was a board director for numerous organizations both large and small, including inaugural Board Director for the National Hispanic Cultural Center. He also organized, directed, and helped secure funding for dozens of programs and initiatives that improved access to education, healthcare, housing, and services for New Mexicans in need.
He enjoyed spending countless hours conversing with family and friends about life, family, sports, and, of course, his latest historical and genealogical findings. With a smile on his face and his great sense of humor, “he always made you feel like he was your best friend”.
Anselmo organized regular family reunions on a grand scale, with celebrations including three days of camping, food, and live music. Along with being blessed with his wife, Helen, his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.
A resident of Las Vegas, New Mexico at the time of his passing, not only have we lost a loving and inspiring esposo, padre, abuelo, hijo, hermano, tío, primo y amigo, New Mexico has lost a living treasure and champion of its history and culture.
“This is a huge loss for the people of New Mexico…his spirit, his knowledge, and the mentorship that he gave. Now he can rest, and we’ll continue the struggle in his memory. This is the best way to pay respect to his life.”
Anselmo leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Helen (Zamora) Arellano, daughter Casilda Gallegos (husband Antonio), son Mario Arellano (wife Carmela), and beloved grandsons Francisco, Nicholas and Daniel Gallegos and Abran and Roman Arellano. He also leaves behind brother Edward (Polo) Arellano (wife Marie; children Eddie, Debra, Antonio, and Marc), sister Helen Stefani (ex-husband Victor; daughter Veronica), brother Henry Arellano (wife Georgia; children Paula and Alejandro), sister Henrietta Soderstrom (husband Jack; daughters Melissa and Cassandra), brother Chris Arellano (wife Vicki; children Kimberly), brother Ernie Arellano (wife Mary Alice; children Johnny, Leonard, Deo, Juan, Valentina, Crystal, Chris, Robert, Zyana and Alaysia), brother Tony Arellano (son Angelo), brother Benni Arellano, sister Margaret Brashear (husband Ronnie; sons Robert, Chris, and Joey), brother-in-law David Zamora (children Evelyn, Vicki, and David) and brother-in-law Johnny Zamora (children Anita and Anthony).
Anselmo joins his parents Eduardo and Annie Arellano, sister Delia Garcia (surviving husband Fred), and sister Angela Martinez (surviving husband Seferino; daughter Anna).
A service in celebration of Anselmo’s life will be held in Springer, New Mexico on April 27, 2022. For updates email casildamgallegos@gmail.com or arellano521@yahoo.com.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Anselmo (Chemo) F. Arellano, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
