On April 30, 2025, Míriam Leitão, a prominent journalist and author, was elected to occupy chair 7 of the Academia Brasileira de Letras (ABL), succeeding the late filmmaker Cacá Diegues. At 72 years old, Leitão's election marks a significant moment for female representation in the ABL, now counting five women among its members.
The election took place at the ABL's headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, utilizing electronic voting machines provided by the TRE-RJ. Míriam secured her position by receiving 20 votes out of a total of 34, defeating her closest rival, former senator and minister Cristovam Buarque, who garnered 14 votes. The election was highly competitive, with a total of 16 candidates vying for the prestigious seat.
"I am still impacted by the election; it is a huge honor to join an institution that defends literature, Brazil, and the Portuguese language," Míriam expressed after her victory. She emphasized her desire to contribute to the ABL's ongoing dialogue about new themes and ideas while honoring its traditions and historical memory.
Míriam's election not only enhances female representation within the ABL but also continues the legacy of influential thinkers who have shaped Brazil's cultural landscape. Rosiska Darcy, an ABL member, highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating, "It is the election of a democratic woman in a democratic election. We have much to celebrate. I'm glad she came to increase the presence of women in the academy because it matters."
Born in Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Míriam comes from a family of educators and has dedicated over five decades to journalism, literature, and public discourse. She began her career in Espírito Santo, eventually moving to Brasília, São Paulo, and settling in Rio de Janeiro in 1986. Throughout her illustrious career, she has worked for various media outlets, including Gazeta Mercantil and Jornal do Brasil, and has been a part of Grupo Globo since 1991.
In addition to her journalism, Míriam has published 16 books across multiple genres, including non-fiction, fiction, and children's literature. She received the prestigious Troféu Juca Pato in 2024, awarded by the União Brasileira de Escritores (UBE) for her significant contributions to literature and thought. Her works often address pressing issues in Brazil, including democracy, environmental concerns, and social justice.
Among her notable publications is "Amazônia na encruzilhada: o poder da destruição e o tempo das possibilidades" (2023), which earned her the title of Intellectual of the Year. Míriam's earlier work, "Saga brasileira: a longa luta de um povo por sua moeda" (2012), won the Jabuti award for best non-fiction book, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in Brazilian literature.
Míriam's commitment to social issues is reflected in her advocacy for democracy and freedom of expression, especially given her personal history. At 19, she was imprisoned and tortured during Brazil's military dictatorship for opposing the regime. This experience has shaped her perspective and fueled her dedication to defending democratic values.
As a journalist, Míriam has been recognized for making economic topics accessible to a broader audience, a feat she often highlights. Merval Pereira, president of the ABL, praised her qualifications, stating, "Míriam is a great journalist and writer with all the qualifications to be in the Academy. She is active in her endeavors and has a wide range of interests, including the environment and indigenous causes. The Academy is in tune with her perspective, and her arrival is timely for us."
In her free time, Míriam enjoys engaging with children through her literature, often participating in school presentations where she interacts with young readers. "Each of my children's books is a completely playful moment. I love talking to this audience and seeing how they react to the stories," she said in a past interview.
Her upcoming release, "Lulli, a gata aventureira," scheduled for 2025, tells the story of a girl with Cri-du-Chat syndrome, highlighting Míriam's commitment to addressing diverse topics through her writing.
In addition to her literary contributions, Míriam is a passionate environmentalist. Alongside her husband, writer and political scientist Sérgio Abranches, she has replanted 32,000 native seedlings over more than a decade on their 109-hectare farm in Minas Gerais. This property is registered as a RPPN (Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural), ensuring its preservation for future generations.
As she joins the ranks of the ABL, Míriam Leitão will collaborate with other influential figures who share her commitment to addressing critical issues facing Brazil and the world. Among her new colleagues are philosopher and indigenous leader Ailton Krenak and musician Gilberto Gil, both of whom are known for their advocacy on environmental and social issues.
"Ailton is from the same region as I am in Minas Gerais; we are children of the same valley, which has suffered greatly from environmental issues," Míriam reflected. "Environmental concerns are not just theoretical; they are radically practical and vital to life."
Míriam Leitão's election to the ABL is not just a personal achievement; it represents a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and diversity in Brazilian literature and academia. As she steps into this new role, her voice will undoubtedly continue to resonate across the nation, championing the causes she has long defended and inspiring future generations of writers and thinkers.
