The seminal folklore studies by Américo Paredes in the 1940s and 1950s lay the foundation for understanding the people and culture of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, inspiring an entire generation of Mexican-American scholars to pursue a more intercultural interpretation of the American Southwest. Paredes challenged the writings of established historians and their versions of life along the Texas-Mexico border. His work redirected the discipline away from the mere collection and cataloging of folkloric materials toward an integration of music, crafts, literature, and legend.

An author of critical studies, fiction, and poetry, Américo Paredes taught literature, folklore, and creative writing at The University of Texas at Austin from 1951 until his retirement in 1984.

"Professor Paredes was one of the most influential scholars of his generation," says Ricardo Romo, president of The University of Texas at San Antonio and a protégé of the late author and folklorist. "For nearly 50 years he contributed to the academic and cultural life of UT Austin and to the contemporary study of folklore."

View the full story