Medgar Evers College and community celebrates the life of Dr. Elizabeth Nunez

By Dr. Brenda M. Greene & the Center for Black Literature

On behalf of the Center for Black Literature, I offer condolences to the family of Dr. Elizabeth Nunez. Surrounded by her family, Nunez transitioned peacefully in her home on November 8, 2024. 

An award-winning novelist and distinguished professor, Nunez was a professor of literature at Medgar Evers College and co-founder of the National Black Writers Conference. Her award-winning work includes seven novels: Anna-In-Between, Bruised Hibiscus, Discretion, Grace, Prospero’s Daughter, and When Rocks Dance.

Originally from Trinidad, Nunez began teaching at Medgar Evers College in 1972. She chaired the Humanities Division and later the Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy and the English Department. John Oliver Killens had a vision to host a National Black Writers Conference every year. Her passion for literature and writing led her to co-found with John Oliver Killens, the first National Black Writers Conference at Medgar Evers College in 1986. The conference became a site for bringing together writers, scholars, and poets throughout the African diaspora to discuss the trends in Black literature, to create conversations with the literary community, students, faculty, and the general community and to expand the canon of literature taught in our educational institutions. Nunez stepped down as Director of the National Black Writers Conference in 2000 in order to focus on another passion, her writing. I was honored to continue the tradition of directing the Conference at Medgar Evers College.

Elizabeth Nunez will be remembered for her passion and commitment to supporting Black writers and for her dedication to using literature as a way to deepen students’ understanding of the human experience in diverse cultures.

Medgar Evers College English Department Colleagues Remember Dr. Elizabeth Nunez

“Elizabeth should always be remembered as a dynamic artist-intellectual as well as a cultural mover and shaker. She inspired many and she was a tremendous colleague and friend.”

— Dr. Keith Gilyard

Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of English and African American Studies at Penn State University.

Former Professor at Medgar Evers College, CUNY

“Dr. Nunez was a model to me and many of my students at Medgar. Her integrity, uprightness, and devotion to the Medgar mission will be remembered.” 

— Dr. Keming Liu

Professor of Linguistics and Literature

English Department, Medgar Evers College, CUNY

“Elizabeth Nunez knew the critical need to have Black males with advanced degrees in the academic community to show students, especially Black male students at Medgar Evers College, the incredible possibilities associated with higher education.”

— Dr. Carlyle V Thompson

Professor of American and African-American Literature

English Department, Medgar Evers College, CUNY

“Elizabeth Nunez was a brilliant woman who felt that we should all tell our story to enrich the lives of others. She shared a beautiful story that inspired me and the masses.”

— Dr. Keshia Graham

Academic Advisor

Former English Department Administrative Assistant, Medgar Evers College, CUNY

For more information about Dr. Elizabeth Nunez, visit: https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/english/elizabeth-nunez/elizabeth-nunez 

To read The New York Times Obituary on Dr. Elizabeth Nunez, visit: Elizabeth Nunez, Who Chronicled the Immigrant’s Challenges, Dies at 80 – The New York Times

Rest in Peace Dr. Elizabeth Nunez.