Senate Resolution No. 198 BY: Senator PARKER MOURNING the death of Dr. Elizabeth Nunez and honoring her remarkable life, literary contributions, and dedication to education and the promotion of Black writers WHEREAS, Born on February 18, 1944, in Cocorite, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Elizabeth Nunez was a distinguished novelist, professor, and advocate for Black literature; her works have significantly enriched American and Caribbean literary landscapes; and WHEREAS, Dr. Elizabeth Nunez died in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the age of 80, leaving behind a profound legacy which continues to influence and inspire writers, scholars, and readers around the world; and WHEREAS, At the age of 19, Elizabeth Nunez emigrated to the United States, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Marian College in Wisconsin, followed by a Master's degree and Ph.D. in Literature from New York University, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to academic excellence; and WHEREAS, Dr. Elizabeth Nunez began her teaching career at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn in 1972, playing a pivotal role in developing its writing curriculum, and later served as a Distinguished Professor of English at Hunter College in New York City where she taught courses on Caribbean Women Writers and Creative Writing, inspiring countless students through her passion for literature and education; and WHEREAS, As an accomplished author, Dr. Elizabeth Nunez penned several acclaimed novels, including Prospero's Daughter, Bruised Hibiscus, and Beyond the Limbo Silence, receiving numerous awards such as the American Book Award and the Independent Publishers Book Award, and earning recognition as a New York Times Editors' Choice; and WHEREAS, Dr. Elizabeth Nunez co-founded the National Black Writers Conference, securing funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and co-edited anthologies that provided platforms for Caribbean women writers, thereby amplifying marginalized voices and fostering a greater appreciation for Black literature; and WHEREAS, Dr. Elizabeth Nunez's memoir, "Discovering My Mother," was featured in the 2019 anthology, New Daughters of Africa, further contributing to the rich tapestry of diasporic narratives and highlighting her personal journey and heritage; and WHEREAS, All who were privileged to know Dr. Elizabeth Nunez will miss her immensely; she has left an enduring legacy that will influence future generations for decades to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body, on behalf of the State of New York, extends its deepest sympathy to the family, friends, colleagues, and students of Dr. Elizabeth Nunez and honors her exceptional contributions to literature, education, and the empowerment of Black writers, acknowledging the indelible impact she has made on our cultural and academic communities; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Dr. Elizabeth Nunez as an expression of our respect, admiration, and gratitude for her life and work.