Danticat Explores Identity and Grief at Lecture Series

Author Edwidge Danticat addresses the audience on Feb. 1 in the Cabaret. Photo courtesy of Joey Wall, Media Center Director

Applause radiated through the Cabaret on Feb. 1 as critically acclaimed author and poet Edwidge Danticat concluded her lecture on her life, writing and grief. The open event attracted around 150 students, faculty and community members to listen to Danticat explore how her identity as a Haitian-American woman has influenced her identity and writing process. 

The 30-minute talk, followed by a 45-minute Q&A, was part of Marist College’s 2024 Sommer lecture and was organized by Dr. Lea Graham, associate professor of English and creative writing, and Dr. Magda Desgranges, assistant professor of English and Africana studies. 

After an introduction by fellow Haitian-American Desgranges, Danticat explained her childhood and eight-year separation from her parents as they worked in the U.S. while she was still in Haiti. When she was 12, Danticat immigrated to the U.S. and was reunited with her parents in Brooklyn, New York. Her love of writing began early, and many of her childhood experiences translated into her later works, such as “Breath, Eyes, Memory” and “Brother, I’m Dying.” 

Her motivation to write is fueled by her desire to preserve the legacies of her family members. “I write because I am an immigrant, and if I don’t tell these stories about my family, these stories will die with me,” said Danticat. 

Author Edwidge Danticat speaks to Marist students one-on-one after her lecture in the Cabaret on Feb. 1. Credit: Cora Flynn ‘26

The author then discussed the loss of her mother in 2014 and how she processed her grief through writing. For some students, the emotional topic resonated heavily. 

“I'm always drawn to discussions of a mother-daughter relationship, so when she was talking about her own mother passing, I thought of my own mom,” said Caitlin Blencowe ‘24. “I was very moved, and I did cry.”  

With her slideshow of photos and mini lessons in Creole phrases, Danticat kept the audience engaged throughout. Danticat also shared writing and life advice with the audience. 

“Toni Morrison once wrote that if there is a book you really want to read, write it. I believe that is also good advice about life in general. That if there is anything you believe should be done, you should do it,” said Danticat. 

Earlier in the day, Danticat visited Desgranges' classes to discuss with students two of her books they had read. Many students, like Blencowe, found Danticat’s advice helpful in developing their own writing process. 

“I really liked what she said about finding mentors in writers and their books,” said Blencowe. “Pick an author, sit with them and spend a season going through their books from an early stage. I would love to do that.” 

Graham was happy to see students resonate with the speaker and hopes that will continue throughout her new role as Lecture Series coordinator. 

“I would really love to see the culture of Marist around lectures become something that is seen as an opportunity and is something that people look forward to and as part of their education and not as something that they're made to do,” said Graham.