Dear Friends, In recent weeks, our community and our nation have lost three extraordinary individuals whose work as educators, mentors, and advocates helped transform how Latinos are seen, heard, and valued in the United States. We remember Diana “Dee Dee” Fuentes, Dr. Rudolfo “Rudy” Acuña, and Dr. Manuel “Manny” Berriozabal—leaders who dedicated their lives to expanding opportunity, strengthening representation, and affirming the dignity of Mexican Americans and Latinos.
We share our condolences with their loved ones and all who admired them. Diana “Dee Dee” Fuentes was a pioneering journalist, newsroom leader, and tireless champion for diversity in media. Over the course of her career, she mentored generations of reporters and editors, opening doors for Latino journalists in spaces where they had long been underrepresented. Through her leadership in professional organizations and her advocacy for press freedom, she helped reshape American newsrooms to better reflect the communities they serve. We were honored to host her as a speaker at MACRI's 2023 Symposium. Her legacy lives on in the countless journalists she guided, encouraged, and inspired. Dr. Rudolfo “Rudy” Acuña, a foundational figure in the field of Chicano Studies, transformed higher education by insisting that Mexican American history and experiences deserved scholarly recognition. His groundbreaking work challenged exclusionary narratives and created pathways for students to see themselves reflected in the study of history. As a professor, author, and activist, Acuña empowered generations to understand their heritage not as a footnote, but as an essential part of the American story. Dr. Manuel “Manny” Berriozábal was a beloved educator and mathematician whose impact extended far beyond the classroom. Known for his dedication to expanding access to STEM education, he founded the Prefreshman Engineering Program (PREP), a summer program to prepare middle and high school students for college-level engineering coursework and help them envision futures in fields where Latinos have been historically underrepresented. In San Antonio and beyond, his leadership fostered both academic excellence and a deep sense of community pride. Dr. B and his wife Maria Berriozábal, have been MACRI supporters since our founding, and we will miss him dearly.
A Lasting LegacyThough their paths differed, each of these leaders shared a profound commitment to affirm the dignity, intelligence, and value of Latino communities and all People of Color. They understood that representation is not simply about visibility, but about equity, opportunity, and the power to shape one’s own narrative and future.
As we honor their lives, we also recognize the enduring impact of their work. The institutions they strengthened, the students they taught, and the communities they uplifted carry forward their vision of a more inclusive and just society.
May we continue their legacy by telling fuller histories, opening wider doors, and ensuring that every person is recognized for their inherent dignity and worth.
Diana “Dee Dee” Fuentes, Rudolfo Acuña, and Manuel Berriozábal, presente!
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