by Juliana da Penha
We have lost a warrior on the media frontline, fearlessly speaking out against all forms of oppression. More than a journalist, she was a remarkable human being, dedicated to making the world a better place for everyone.
My dear friend and colleague, Nathalia Urban, passed away at the age of 36 this Friday, 27th September.
With profound sadness and disbelief, our long conversations about how to challenge the anti-immigrant narrative, the sexism, racism, and all the issues we face as migrant women have come to an end. But also our space of supporting each other in this world that cares less and less about human connections.
Her commitment to making the world a better place for everyone will always be remembered. I write this piece as a way to honour her life and to express our deep gratitude for her contributions as an Advisory Board member of our organisation.
Though she had lived in the UK for over a decade, her commitment to raising awareness about issues in Latin America remained resolute. She was deeply admired for her relentless dedication to amplifying the voices of the oppressed through her impactful journalism.
As a correspondent for Brazil 247, an independent Brazilian media outlet, Nathalia offered insightful analysis of international affairs, with a focus on uniting leftist movements globally. Her work frequently sheds light on the enduring impacts of colonialism, capitalism, and the oppression faced by women and migrant communities, emphasising the critical need for global resistance to these systems of injustice.
In the Great Journalists series by Brazil 247, Nathalia, a young and dedicated journalist, shared her inspiring journey.
Born on 25th December 1987 in Santos, São Paulo, Nathalia spent her teenage years in João Pessoa, Paraíba, where she began her academic journey. She initially pursued Anthropology, earning top marks in the national exam. Later, she moved to São Paulo to study Social Sciences, originally intending to pursue an academic career. However, her growing passion for journalism soon became evident.
During her time in João Pessoa, Nathalia’s political consciousness took shape with the help of a dedicated teacher. She developed a deep interest in Brazilian popular uprisings and other significant movements in Latin America.
Raised by a single mother, Nathalia spoke about how witnessing her mother’s struggles helped her understand feminism from an early age, fueling her determination to fight for women’s rights. Her mother’s death from bone cancer at the age of 38 deeply impacted her.
In 2013, she moved to the UK with her then-partner, settling in London before eventually relocating to Glasgow, Scotland.
As a Latin American migrant woman, she personally experienced the challenges many migrants face, which only deepened her commitment to advocating for oppressed communities. Her journalism centred on the struggles of marginalised groups worldwide, with a strong focus on the issues affecting Latin America. Nathalia was also a passionate advocate for the Palestinian people, frequently speaking out against the injustices they face.
During Brazil’s presidential election that saw Jair Bolsonaro rise to power, Nathalia was vocal about how the British media portrayed Brazil and its far-right leader. She used her platform to offer a more accurate narrative, shedding light on the socio-political issues in Latin America and how British imperialism continued to impact the region. Her journalism became a crucial voice in left-wing internationalist discussions, and she consistently emphasised the need for global solidarity against colonialism and far-right extremism.
Nathalia was also actively engaged in monitoring and opposing the global rise of far-right extremism. During the far-right riots in the UK in August, her guidance was invaluable, providing us with crucial direction on how to effectively stand against these movements.
In September 2023, Nathalia joined Migrant Women Press as an Advisory Board Member, contributing her expertise in Journalism, feminism, anti-capitalism and her commitment to challenging anti-immigration narratives. Her impact on our organisation was profound, and we will always be grateful for her guidance, passion, and invaluable advice in the fight for intersectional justice and more diverse representation in the media.
Friends and colleagues across Brazil and around the world are mourning the loss of a beloved friend and exceptional journalist, expressing their deep sorrow at her passing.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Rosângela da Silva expressed their sorrow, praising Nathalia’s “competence” and “commitment.” In a public statement, Lula’s statement read: “With great sadness and regret, we learned of the death of journalist Nathalia Urban in Scotland. Nathalia was an extremely competent and committed international analyst and journalist. A young woman with a great future ahead of her, which, unfortunately, was cut short at an early age.”
Her fearless advocacy and commitment to standing against injustice will be greatly missed.
Her passing leaves a deep loss, not only in the world of journalism but also in the global struggle for equality and justice. Nathalia’s legacy will continue to inspire all who strive for a more just and compassionate world.
With a deeply broken heart, I said goodbye to a dear friend and remarkable human being.
Rest in peace, Nathalia Urban.
Nathalia Urban, Presente!
Nathalia Urban was born on 25th December 1987 and passed away on 27th September 2024.
