Naomi Shihab Nye has been named the recipient of the prestigious Wallace Stevens Award, a lifetime achievement honor bestowed by the Academy of American Poets. The award, which comes with a $150,000 prize, is named after the renowned 20th-century poet Wallace Stevens. Nye joins the esteemed company of past winners such as Louise Glück, John Ashbery, and Rita Dove.
At 72 years old, Nye is celebrated for her profound collections of poetry, including works like “Fuel,” “Yellow Queen,” and her latest release, “Grace Notes.” The Academy of American Poets praised Nye for her ability to explore the complexities of cultural diversity and her unwavering dedication to shedding light and hope through her poetry.
The Academy Chancellor, Afaa Michael Weaver, commended Nye for her commitment to celebrating her Palestinian heritage with grace and courage, emphasizing the importance of her work in a time marked by deep-seated conflicts.
In addition to Nye's recognition, the Academy of American Poets also announced Evie Shockley as the recipient of the Academy of American Poets Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship includes a $25,000 stipend and a residency at the Eliot House in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Shockley, known for her acclaimed works like “suddenly we” and “semiautomatic,” was a National Book Award finalist and a Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Academy Chancellor Ed Roberson lauded Shockley for her unique approach to poetry, likening her use of historical figures to the way artists use colors to create depth and dimension in their work. The fellowship has previously been awarded to literary luminaries such as Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams, and Claudia Rankine.
