He passed away way too soon. He was very supportive and took an interest in my work that I want to continue to the Critical Mixed Race studies field. I am so sad that he is gone, but his work will continue to speak volumes!
0
My heart is hurt to learn that Reg is no longer with us. He was a beautiful soul and inspiring scholar. He was never on any of my committees, but he deeply impacted my time in graduate school and was a constant support. I often told him that I considered him my informal mentor and I envied students whose research more closely aligned with his expertise.
Reg was always there to cheer me on and provide comfort and words of encouragement during my time in grad school and we kept in contact a bit after, too. In especially difficult periods, when it seemed like probably nobody else was even awake, he'd respond to my distressed emails and offer to talk things through with me. As a fellow night owl, I really appreciated that.
I loved bumping into Reg on his bike arriving at the co-op or around town. I appreciated that he kept his office cozy with soft light and music in the background. He was classy like that. We talked about the more personal side of being mixed race a lot and I felt seen by him in a way that was meaningful. He remembered my birthday, unaided by social media, and could advise me on whether or not my prospective romantic partners could vibe with my Libra-on-the-cusp-of-Scorpio-energy. I remember arriving to his office frazzled and him insisting on untangling my computer cord of its knots, which was such a random thing, but I still remember it. I can also remember dining with him at the Alumni house and the Thai restaurant in town, where we shared our last meal together before I moved away.
I'm super grateful for all of our conversations and your support, Reg. You left an amazing legacy and will be missed beyond measure.
2
Sadly, I never got the opportunity to meet Reg in person. I have been inspired by his very influential publications, and I was fortunate to have been able to exchange some email messages with him over the years, particularly over the past year regarding an article that he contributed to a Special Issue on mixedness that I am guest-editing. Reg was one of the first people I thought to invite as a contributor. He was a pioneering scholar of Critical Mixed Race Studies, and from what I’ve read, a great teacher and mentor. I have tremendous admiration and appreciation for all that he has contributed to the field and to academia in general. Reg was a great thinker and scholar, and, even more importantly, he always seemed like such a lovely person to me: very good-humored, charismatic, thoughtful, and considerate. It was really heartbreaking to learn of his sudden passing, only a few months after our last email exchanges. I send my sincere condolences to all who loved him and whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Reg.
2
Dr.Daniel was a writer I discovered in my research for my doctorate from Alverno College. We talked and I invited him to be on my dissertation committee. It is one of the best things I’ve done. His confidence made a difference, provided support and momentum. I successfully defended 10/28/22. He gave me the gifts of empathy and understanding, but he also understood my mind in lieu of my life experiences. Though I only knew him for a short two years, Dr. Daniel and I understood each other as scholars, and why Critical Mixed Race Studies is so vital to the American idea. As a scholar, he was a stickler for detail and precision. As a coach and friend, he reminded me of Old World gentility and graciousness. This kind man is a loss to many. I am only one of the mourning masses. /millie
3
My condolences to Reg's family. I first met Reg over a phone call sharing my interest in multiraciality and how I could actually study mixed race in academia. While I didn't end up at UCSB, I found my way through a connection to the Multiracial Network, my masters (eventually my PhD) and I would often see Reg either at the CMRSA conference or NCORE. At NCORE over the years, I had the pleasure of sitting on a panel with Reg and learning from his sessions as an audience member. I always found his depth and knowledge of the critical mixed race studies emerging field as so inspiring and fascinating. I very much will miss seeing Reg at these conferences and will miss his importance voice in the field. I pay deep respect to his legacy and memory and will continue to consult his amazing scholarship and work to for ongoing motivation and urgency to continue to bring voice to the mixed race experience.
2
I met Reg soon after I began my dissertation fellowship at UCSB's Center for Black Studies. We shared so many lovely moments of conversation, moviegoing, and laughter, and that led to co-authoring an article as well. I am so sad to hear of his passing and send my heartfelt gratitude to his spirit and strength to his beloveds.
2
I had the privilege of attending to two of Prof. Daniels' classes and even being the course reader for one. Reg was the first professor (in my four years of college) that I could call a friend. I always loved his energy, enthusiasm and passion for education. As selfish as this might be, I hope we would have had the chance to hang out more. Rest in peace and power Reg, thank you for everything and everyone you have ever impacted, myself included.
2
Reggie was one of the true pioneers in the field of Critical Mixed Race Studies and will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered. Rest in Power Reggie.
3
I just received the email from Fanshen about the passing of Dr. Daniels. So sad to read this sad news. I knew Reggie from my working days at UCLA Center for African American Studies, when he was a visiting scholar there. We quickly bonded on our love for Brazilian music and culture and he became part of my larger LA family of "Brazil nuts". We hadn't spoken in many moons, but I remember our friendship and conversations fondly. His scholarship will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all the students he mentored.
3
Hi everyone - here's a short compilation I made of our mentor, colleague and dear, dear friend. https://youtu.be/r8LS-G2PeZI
4
Reg was such an inspiration. I'll never forget the first time I met him. I had just arrived in Santa Barbara, and I had no idea what I was doing. Reg was kind enough to sit patiently with me (this wide-eyed grad student) in his office, and all he did was ask me questions about my interests and goals. After he listened to me, and validated my ideas for what felt like a very long time, he said something that I think about all the time. "By the time you leave here, you'll be one of the foremost experts in your field, Erik." When I laughed at what still sounds like an impossible idea, he shook his head. "No, seriously. Seriously. That's what we do here. That's who you're going to be." I don't know if I'll ever live up to that sentiment, but Reg made me feel like I belonged. Reg always had time for me, and always saw the best in me. Love to everyone who knew him.
5
Reg, we miss you so much. It has taken me weeks to write something on this website. You were my PhD dissertation co-chair and brilliant, bold, witty, and deep— a scholar in every sense of that word. And you were gentle with us students but also strong as hell in your life and in your career. I keep rereading handouts from classes I took with you and from classes I TAed for you. I keep thinking about how rigorous your courses were and how novel your scholarship was. I was the lucky one, although you used to gas me up and say you were the lucky one. All I know is this: no one held their students to higher standards than you but also no one loved their students more than you. And we truly, truly loved you back.
9
Ah Reg - So sorry to hear this. Thanks for setting up this memory board.
I'm smiling remembering his smile and sense of fun.
May he rest in peace.
5
I will always remember Reg as one of my most cherished mentors. His wisdom and guidance really helped me during my time at UCSB and beyond. Seeing the outpouring of love on this board reminds me how special he was to so many people.
He loved the multiracial community so much, and dedicated his life to supporting, protecting, and celebrating us! I feel lucky to have met Reg, and I will cherish the memories we shared. I’m really going to miss him. My heart goes out to his loved ones, and all the lives he’s touched.
RIP Reg! Thank you for being you!
5
Reg was such a wonderful mentor and always treated me as a colleague. He was always so accessible, understanding, and validating. He allowed me to ask questions about my purpose and path in ways that encouraged me to grow and accept myself as a scholar and I will remain forever grateful. Sending love and light to all those in mourning.
6
Although I haven’t seen Reg or communicated with him since I moved away from SB a few years ago, I was so shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of this lovely and exceptional man a few days ago. Reading these posted condolences makes it helpful to process his loss and also learn more about Reg. Having been part of the staff at UCSB, Reg, Professor Daniel, was appointed Chair of our Advisory Board at the Center for Black Studies Research. During that time we got to know each other. Then coincidentally we discovered that we had lived across the street from each other in west LA at the same time in the 90’s. In a way I was sorry to learn that because had we met one another back then, likely we would have become friends and what a wonderful neighbor he would have been. I could have given him rides!( He didn’t drive but usually close to a bus line if biking didn’t work.) Reg, always engaging and kind. I will always remember you with a smile. RIP.
5
I am devasted by Reg's unexpected passing. He was such an incredible colleague - we clicked from my interview at UCSB, and he never failed to be a kind, generous, and supportive colleague. It felt incredible having him in my corner. I'm still in shock that he's gone. I can't imagine our department without him. He was so unique and hilarious - no one made me laugh quite like him. I will miss him so very much. Thank you, Reg, for all you were :)
6
Thank you, Reg, for your kindness, wisdom, and humor. You have left us too soon. My heartfelt condolences to all who are mourning.
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