Classic cars drive by the Nayarit in 1966. The restaurant boasted banquet rooms, lunches, dinners, and food to go. Photo by Natalia Molina.
In an entertaining talk, historian Natalia Molina, recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Genius Grant, will unveil the remarkable untold story of the Nayarit, a cherished Mexican restaurant that served as a vital hub for the immigrant community in Los Angeles. The online event, titled “A Place at the Nayarit,” will take place on Wednesday, July 19, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and will be presented on Zoom.
The Nayarit, established in 1951 by the remarkable Doña Natalia Barraza, stood as a beacon of hope and belonging for Mexican immigrants in the heart of Echo Park. Natalia Molina, the granddaughter of Doña Natalia and a historian, will delve into the inspiring life and legacy of her grandmother during the one-hour program, followed by an engaging Q&A session.
Doña Natalia, known to all as a compassionate, reserved, and remarkably capable woman, embarked on her journey from Mexico to Los Angeles alone. Her determination and entrepreneurial spirit led her to open the Nayarit, where she not only served mouth watering Mexican cuisine but also nurtured a thriving community. She adopted two children and, through her successful business, sponsored, housed, and employed numerous immigrants, urging them to embrace their place in a city that had long grappled with anti-Latino sentiment.
As a historian specializing in the exploration of race, citizenship, and the quest for belonging among immigrant communities, Natalia Molina sheds light on the narratives of racial difference that have shaped the experiences of distinct immigrant groups in the United States. With a particular focus on Latinx and Asian immigrants, Molina uncovers the interconnected systems of exclusion and segregation that these communities have confronted throughout history.
“A Place at the Nayarit” promises to be a riveting and eye-opening event, offering attendees an opportunity to explore the multifaceted experiences of immigrants in Los Angeles and beyond. Natalia Molina’s in-depth analysis will illuminate the shared struggles and triumphs of Latinx and Asian immigrants, while also fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding race and citizenship in America.
Interested individuals can sign up by providing their email address on the designated registration page. Upon registration, login instructions for the Zoom event will be sent directly to participants. For more information and to sign up for the event, visit pasadena.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?eventid=8512.
