NJAMF Saddened by Passing of Former Board Member and Advisor Dr. Franklin Odo

Scholar, historian, activist and author Franklin S. Odo, known for his contributions to the field of Asian American studies, passed away after a short bout with cancer on September 28 at the age of 83 in Amherst, MA.

Odo served as director of the Smithsonian Institution’s Asian Pacific American Program from 1997 to 2010, was the first Asian Pacific American curator at the Museum of American History, and taught American studies at Amherst College.

Born in Hawaii and a graduate of Princeton University (B.A. and Ph.D.) and Harvard University (M.A.), Odo was part of the movement that created ethnic studies in the late 1960s and early 1970s. An instructor for more than 50 years, he also taught at Occidental College, UCLA, CSU Long Beach, University of Pennsylvania, Hunter College, Princeton University, Columbia University, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, and University of Maryland-College Park.

NJAMF Chair John Tobe said, “Franklin was instrumental in increasing the scope and interest in AANHPI studies.  His continuous and long-standing support of NJAMF was greatly appreciated along with his kind and collaborative nature.  His knowledge and expertise will be deeply missed. We send our deepest condolences to his widow Enid and children, David, Rachel, and Jonathan.” 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a fund in Franklin’s honor, which will help carry on his legacy of social justice, scholarship, and mentorship at the University of Hawaii: https://giving.uhfoundation.org/funds/13014604