November 12, 2025
Posted in: English Department, Homepage News and Events
Latinos of Montclair, in partnership with Montclair State University’s English Department, is proud to announce that Pulitzer Prize–winning author Junot Díaz will appear in Montclair on Thursday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m. as part of VOCES.
VOCES, created by Latinos of Montclair, is a Latino thought leaders series dedicated to creating an open space to uplift the voices and perspectives of Latino/e authors, artists, elected officials, community advocates, business leaders, and culture makers. Each gathering is designed to create space to reflect on Latinidad at this moment – its complexities, its beauty, and its future.
The event will take place at Montclair State University’s Conference Center and is expected to draw an audience from across New Jersey of community members, students, and literature enthusiasts.
Díaz, best known for his celebrated works The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and Drown, has long been recognized for his groundbreaking exploration of identity, diaspora, and belonging. His writing, deeply rooted in the Dominican American experience, has reshaped contemporary literature and inspired a generation of readers and writers to examine the intersections of culture, history, and imagination. In recent years, Díaz has extended his voice beyond fiction, contributing powerful op-eds that confront the realities facing American Latinos amid an increasingly polarized political climate.
At this special VOCES event, Díaz will discuss “the intersections of culture, history, and imagination in the context of the current political climate,” engaging in a candid fireside conversation followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.
Tickets are required for entry. Montclair State University students, faculty and staff can attend for free, but must reserve a ticket and show their University ID at the door. Books will be available for purchase on-site.
Date: Thursday, December 4
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: University Hall Conference Center
About the VOCES Latino Thought Leaders Series
The VOCES Series, created by Latinos of Montclair, is dedicated to uplifting the voices and perspectives of Latine authors, artists, elected officials, community advocates, business leaders, and culture makers. Each gathering creates an open space to reflect on Latinidad at this moment – its complexities, its beauty, and its future. Through intimate fireside conversations, VOCES celebrates literature, identity, community building, and the power of storytelling to inspire social and cultural transformation.
About Latinos of Montclair
Latinos of Montclair is a New Jersey–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering community, celebrating culture, and amplifying the diverse voices of the Latino community through arts, education, and civic engagement. The organization produces signature cultural programs such as the Latino Heritage Celebration, Día de los Muertos Festival, and the VOCES Thought Leaders Series.
