by Mell P
Dr. Elizabeth Nunez’s passing at 80 leaves an indelible void in literature and education, not only in America but across the Caribbean diaspora, where her work continues to resonate deeply. As a distinguished Trinidadian-American author, educator, and mentor, Dr. Nunez carved a path for Caribbean voices in mainstream American literature since arriving to the United States at 19 years old.
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In her prolific literary career, Dr. Nunez became a towering figure whose works drew on the depth of Caribbean folklore, spirituality, and socio-political landscapes, bridging gaps between American readers and the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean. Her writing brought forward complex characters and narratives that invited readers to grapple with the nuanced lives of Caribbean and Caribbean-American communities.
Through her narratives, she continually highlighted themes of colonialism, immigration, and personal resilience—concepts central to Caribbean diasporic literature. In addition to garnering multiple awards, her novels earned her recognition as a Caribbean literary pioneer, one whose voice broke through barriers and provided a platform for future Caribbean authors. Her only memoir, “Not for Everyday Use”, won the 2015 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Fiction.
Dr. Nunez was co-founder of the National Black Writers Conference alongside John Oliver Killens, and served as director for fourteen years. She raised funds for the conference through grants and private donors. In 1994, the New York Times recognized the importance of the conference with a much-deserved article in its Arts section. Dr. Nunez was the executive producer of the NY Emmy-nominated CUNY-TV series Black Writers in America, narrated by Ossie Davis, which was aired on PBS stations across the country. She has served on the jury for national and international literary prizes/awards, including the international Dublin IMPAC Literary prize, the National Endowment for the Humanities Award; the Ernest Gaines Literary prize and the Fulbright Award for Creative Writing. She generously gave readings of her work in the US and in the Caribbean.
Dr. Nunez received her PhD in English Literature from New York University. She was a former Distinguished Professor at Hunter College, the City University of New York until 2023. She joined the faculty at the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in Summer 2021 and 2022. In 2019, the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (BCLF) established two prizes in Nunez’s name for Caribbean writers in the US and in the diaspora.
Her latest novel “Now Lila Knows” was published in spring 2022 by her longtime publisher, Akashic Press.
Dr. Nunez’s contribution to education is equally profound. As Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Medgar Evers College, the City University of New York, she inspired a generation of writers, especially from underserved communities, to find and express their voices. Fellow Trinidadian-born Dr. Kevin Adonis Browne, a Caribbean American photographer, writer, and scholar of contemporary rhetorical theory, and former corporate lawyer turned novelist, Lauren Francis-Sharma, are just two examples of the writers of this generation that speak fondly of her as both a mentor and friend.
Her mentorship ushered in a dynamic community of emerging writers who found in her a compassionate yet steadfast advocate for Caribbean narratives. By encouraging students to explore their cultural backgrounds and personal stories, Nunez was instrumental in ensuring that a new wave of Caribbean writers would carry forward her legacy of storytelling grounded in authenticity and rich, layered storytelling.
A cherished friend of the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival (BCLF), Nunez played a significant role in helping shape the young organization into a platform that celebrates and preserves Caribbean storytelling. From its inception, Nunez became a namesake for their annual Short Fiction Story Contest and her commitment to the festival underscored her belief in the importance of community-driven spaces that champion diasporic narratives and support Caribbean voices in New York and beyond. She contributed not only as a guest and mentor but also as a beacon of encouragement for many Caribbean writers who found in BCLF a literary home. Her presence lent credibility and gravitas to the festival, making it a vital part of New York’s cultural landscape and a nurturing space for Caribbean literature.
Last year, the festival produced and screened “5 Minutes with Elizabeth Nunez”, an original BCLF short film series celebrating a selection of five novels by Elizabeth Nunez as the gemstone in the crown of its fifth anniversary celebrations. In these conversations beautifully shot in the quiet comfort of her home in Long Island, New York, Nunez walked viewers through the creative inputs of five of her most revered novels. Candid and sometimes deeply personal, she engaged in a process of reflection, deep insight into the historical and political cultures of the eras of her writing. In her characteristic anecdotal way, Nunez also offered rare and touching details into her own process of becoming and reckoning – as wife, mother, writer, feminist, immigrant and black woman.
Dr. Elizabeth Nunez’s passing is felt deeply by the Caribbean diaspora, where her work has left an enduring legacy. She was more than a writer; she was a cultural custodian, an educator, and a voice for those often relegated to the margins. Her absence leaves a palpable void, but her impact on literature, education, and the Caribbean diaspora will endure, inspiring new generations to carry forward her mission. As we honor her memory, we recognize the profound gift she has left behind—a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to foster understanding and unity across borders.
