From a child on welfare to a Harvard graduate to a gang member’s girlfriend to a candidate for the U.S. Congress, Alejandra Campoverdi has lived what she calls “a life of contradictory extremes.”
Campoverdi will bring her story to Columbus Thursday for “An Evening with Alejandra Campoverdi,” where she will discuss her book, “First Gen: A Memoir,” in Poindexter Hall at Mississippi University for Women.
Since fall 2024, “First Gen” has been the focus of The W’s Community Read program, which aims to bring the community together for a shared learning experience.
“We are thrilled to be hosting Alejandra Campoverdi on campus,” Rachel Damms, co-chair of the Community Read program, said in a press release. “‘First Gen’ has resonated widely with our community, and I’m excited that our students and members of our community will have the chance to hear and connect with the author in person.”
The Community Read essentially functions as a community-wide book club. Each fall, a book is selected and readings and events are hosted throughout the year. The program is sponsored by The W, the city of Columbus, the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library and Friendly City Books.
The goal is to build connections between students, staff and community members while fostering intellectual curiosity and a more broadened understanding of the world and the local community, according to MUW’s website.
Set to begin at 6 p.m., the discussion on Thursday will focus on Campoverdi’s life growing up as a first-generation Latina navigating identity and social mobility. There will be a book signing and a reception afterwards.
In her memoir, described as “part memoir, part manifesto,” Campoverdi recounts the challenges of growing up as a Mexican American woman raised by an immigrant single mother in Los Angeles. Going beyond the “glossy narrative” of the American Dream, she uses her story to frame the experiences first-generation Americans face.
Campoverdi said she hopes Thursday’s discussion will create a space to explore those experiences across perspectives.
“My intention is to cultivate a space where we can have a two-way dialogue about the aspects of an emotional experience that many of us share, whether or not someone considers themselves to be a ‘first and only,’” she wrote in an email to The Dispatch. “I hope community members leave the discussion feeling seen and connected to one another.”
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
