The University of Georgia Libraries will host online conversations with two of the newest members of the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame this November, as part of UGA’s Spotlight on the Arts festival.
National Book Award Bronze Medal recipient Clarence Major will read selections from two of his works, including his most recent novel The Lurking Place, during a Zoom webinar conversation with author John Beckman at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.
The following week, Pearl Cleage, a prolific playwright, performance artist, and novelist who was named Atlanta’s first poet laureate earlier this year, will discuss her writings during a second Zoom webinar scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16.
Major, who was born in Atlanta, is the author of 16 collections of poetry, including From Now On: New and Selected Poems, published by the University of Georgia Press, 11 novels, and two collections of short stories. The UGA Press is offering a 40% discount off of Clarence Major's books published by the Press for books ordered prior to the event. Click here for a list of titles and more information.
Cleage, Distinguished Artist in Residence at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre, is the author of more than 15 plays, including Flyin’ West and Blues for an Alabama Sky, which enjoyed an off-Broadway run last year, as well as two books of poetry, a book of essays, a memoir, and, in her most recent collaboration with husband Zaron W. Burnett Jr., a children’s book In My Granny’s Garden. She will be discuss her works with Valerie Boyd, Charlayne Hunter-Gault Distinguished Writer in Residence and associate professor in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Both events are free but registration is required. For more information, see the events listings at the UGA Libraries home page.
Future events will celebrate Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown, a faculty member at Atlanta’s Emory University, and the late civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who was elected into the hall for various works, including his speeches, his autobiography, and his trilogy of graphic novels.
The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, which marked its 20th anniversary with a virtual lecture last year, recognizes authors with ties to the state, from 19th century Cherokee journalist Elias Boudinot to 20th century essayist W.E.B. Dubois to 21st century novelist Tayari Jones. The 2021 inductees join a group of 69 acclaimed wordsmiths, including recipients of prestigious creative awards such as the Pulitzer Prize, the Academy Awards, and even the Nobel Peace Prize. For more information, visit georgiawritershalloffame.org.
In addition to the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame events, members of the UGA and Athens communities are invited to celebrate the Spotlight on the Arts festival by visiting the Special Collections Libraries and Main Library to view exhibits on display throughout November. Also during the festival, the UGA Press plans a book sale outside of the Main Library on Nov. 9 and 10. More information on the festival can be found at arts.uga.edu.