Julian Nava

Julian Nava (born June 19, 1927) is an American educator and diplomat.

Nava was born to Mexican immigrants in 1927 and is one of 7 children in Los Angeles, California. The actor, singer and artist known as Marxel is Nava's grand nephew from his oldest Sister Lucille Nava Hernandez. He grew up in the barrio of East L.A. In 1945, he volunteered the Air Corps of the United States Navy. Upon his return to Los Angeles, Nava studied at East Los Angeles College before transferring to Pomona College, one of the prestigious Claremont Colleges. After earning his undergraduate degree in history, Nava attended Harvard University and earned his doctorate in Latin American history. He taught in Puerto Rico, and in 1957, began a professorship of history at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

In 1967, he was drafted to run for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education by the local Mexican American community, who had no representation on the board. His candidacy was successful, and Nava became the first Hispanic to serve on the board. Shortly after his election, the East L.A. walkouts tested his commitment to the Mexican American students, who sought his help in redressing their concerns.

In 1980, he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Mexico by outgoing President Jimmy Carter. He was the first Mexican-American to hold the position, which he held for two years.

He has taught at universities in Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico, and he helped to establish a university in Bogotá, Colombia.

In 1993, Nava was one of the pallbearers during the funeral of the labor leader Cesar Chavez.

In the 2006 HBO film "Walkout", the role of Dr. Julian Nava was played by director Edward James Olmos.

Today he is retired and lives San Diego County with his wife, Patricia. He holds the title of professor emeritus of history at CSUN.

Bibliography

*"Mexican Americans: a brief look at their history", 1970. New York City: Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith.
*"The Mexican American in American history", 1973. New York City: American Book Co. ISBN 0-278-47381-4
*"Mexican American profiles: bilingual biographies for today", 1974 (with Michelle Hall). Walnut Creek, California: Aardvark Media.
*"California: five centuries of cultural contrasts", 1976 (with Bob Barger). Beverly Hills: Glencoe Press.
*"Julian Nava: My Mexican-American Journey", 2002. Houston: Arte Público Press. ISBN 1-55885-364-2