Marie Arana, a Washington Post writer and inaugural literary director of the Library of Congress, served as this year’s guest speaker at Marymount University’s Marya McLaughlin Lecture in Media Communications in the Reinsch Library Auditorium. A Peruvian-American who has written extensively on Latin America, Hispanic identity and biculturalism through nonfiction and fiction works, she shared personal insights on how writing can offer clarity for misrepresented communities.
VIPs included Ellen McCarthy, daughter of the late Sen. Eugene McCarthy, and her husband, Charles Howell. Donald Graham, an honorary Marymount alumnus and co-founder of TheDream.US, also attended. Arana has held various notable positions, including director of the National Book Festival and chair of the John W. Kluge Center’s Cultures of the Countries of the South.
“Her work challenges us to rethink what we know and encourages us to listen, learn and celebrate the stories that often go untold,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “She brings a distinctive lens to her writing—bridging worlds, cultures and perspectives to help us understand the rich tapestry of human experience.”
During the McLaughlin Lecture, Arana discussed creating “Latinoland”—her latest book and a culmination of 237 interviews and thorough research that examines Latinos across all levels of the U.S. economy while offering a journalistic exploration of their diverse experiences. She credited Graham, her former boss, for allowing her to visit Marymount and interview students while writing the book. She also recalled her relationship with the event’s namesake, whom she met while working with Sen. McCarthy.
Arana reflected on her journey as a bicultural writer, describing how Latino writers and topics were often dismissed in the 1980s because of a ‘lack of market’ and claims that Latinos didn’t ‘know how to read.’ By the time she joined the Washington Post in the 1990s, the growing Latino population had begun reflecting America’s changing demographics.
One moment sticks out in her memory, when an HR professional asked if she could be ‘put down as a diversity hire’ after Arana’s Peruvian background came to light. This experience, and her growing awareness of how stories about Latinos were often framed negatively or ignored, inspired the creation of “Latinoland.”
“It became a mission to educate my fellow American citizens about the other half of the hemisphere,” Arana said. “If I could write enough books, I could build a monument dedicated to teaching North Americans about us. And if I did it right, each of my books would represent a brick in my larger monument to Latinos.”
Arana emphasized how Latinos have always been integral to America, contributing as soldiers, scientists, artists and workers. She also highlighted how numerous Latinos risked their lives as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the country running during a worldwide health crisis.
“I would challenge you at Marymount to teach the Latino experience. Teach the history. Students, study it. Professors, tell that story.”
In the second half of the event, President Becerra took the stage. The pair discussed Latino representation in the media and the significance of “Latinoland” in telling crucial stories. President Becerra acknowledged the Marymount students interviewed for the book, and Arana noted their determination and academic success.
“One thing I hope people take away from the lecture is a deeper understanding of the Latino community, beyond just being grape pickers and farmers,” said Marymount senior and Criminal Justice student Michel Nieves Resendiz. “There are doctors, lawyers, teachers and many other remarkable Latinos who are making history.”
The conversation also addressed harmful portrayals of Latinos, challenged misconceptions of Latino history and explored ways to better recognize Latino achievements moving forward.
“Be a reader,” Arana advised future writers. “Read your newspaper, read your books, read your magazines—absorb the way that a good story is told.”
A VIP reception followed in the Barry Gallery, where Arana signed copies of “Latinoland” and engaged with the Marymount community. Learn more about her life and works.
