Lawrence, MA (October 2, 2025) — The atrium of the Dimitry Building on Northern Essex’s Lawrence Campus was filled with warmth, wisdom, and literary legacy on Thursday evening, as celebrated Dominican-American author Julia Alvarez took center stage for a powerful and intimate conversation. The event was part of NECC’s White Fund Enlightenment Series, a program designed to bring thought-provoking cultural and intellectual programming to the community.

The evening opened with remarks from James Dowd, trustee of the White Fund, who spoke to the mission of the series and the significance of hosting a literary figure of Alvarez’s stature. Dr. Naydeen Gonzalez De Jesus, NECC’s Vice President of the Lawrence Campus, followed with a heartfelt introduction that set the tone for the night’s discussion, emphasizing the power of story to connect generations and cultures.

Community members filled the space, joined by special guests including State Senator Pavel Payano, White Fund Trustees Amita Kiley and David Abdoo, and veteran journalist Yadira Betances Muldoon. Lala Books of Lowell was on site selling Alvarez’s works in both English and Spanish.

In a touching moment, Senator Payano presented Alvarez with a special citation from the Massachusetts State Senate, honoring her lifelong commitment to community through her writing. In his remarks, Senator Payano spoke about his own upbringing, the value of education, and how Alvarez’s stories shaped his childhood and identity.

Author Julia Alvarez receives a special citation from the State of Massachusetts through State Senator Pavel Payano

Dr. Gonzalez De Jesus moderated the Q&A, starting off strong with questions about Dominican history and shifting identities among immigrant communities.

“I’m always transgressive when I’m shown a border,” Alvarez shared. “I want to cross over. I want to bridge it.”

That spirit of boundary-crossing—be it cultural, generational, or stylistic—threaded through Alvarez’s reflections. She spoke of centering older women in her stories, not just as background figures but as protagonists with depth and agency. “I wanted the old lady to be the main character. Not the abuelita or tía,” she explained.

Alvarez emphasized the oral storytelling traditions of her Dominican roots. “As Dominicans, we have an oral culture. Some people who I grew up learning from didn’t know how to write or read, but they could tell a story,” she said. “I was a reader and listener before I was a writer. I always tell people the best thing you can be is a listener.”

The author’s insights struck a chord with many in attendance, particularly when she connected reading with activism and empathy:

“Reading is the most activist thing you can do. The muscles you use when reading are the muscles in which you imagine being someone else. The muscles of compassion.”

After a lively audience Q&A, the audience applauded the author with a two-minute standing ovation, a moving tribute to a writer whose stories have long been a beacon for many across generations and cultures. Alvarez signed books and met with attendees to close the evening.

“Everyone walks around with a lot of stories in their heads,” Alvarez said. “When I read a good book, I want to talk back. I talk back by writing.”

The White Fund Enlightenment Series continues to provide opportunities for the community to engage with influential voices and ideas. For more information, visit NECC’s White Fund page.