San Antonio Poet Naomi Shihab Nye Honored with Wallace Stevens Award
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as one of its own, the talented poet Naomi Shihab Nye, has just been awarded the prestigious Wallace Stevens Award. This award, presented by the Academy of American Poets, recognizes her exceptional contributions to the world of poetry and comes with a remarkable $100,000 stipend. Talk about a cherry on top of a well-deserved cake!
A Lifetime Achievement
The Wallace Stevens Award is not just your average accolade; it is a lifetime achievement award that has honored previous literary giants like Rita Dove, Louise Glück, W. S. Merwin, and Adrienne Rich. This year’s announcement was made during a special event at the iconic Guggenheim Museum in New York City, and it truly underlines Nye’s significance in the world of poetry.
Voices of Compassion and Reflection
In a statement, Ricardo Maldonado, president and executive director of the Academy, praised Nye along with fellow awardee Evie Shockley, who received a $25,000 fellowship. He described both writers as “two major voices” who have created a meaningful space for poetry as a form of “observation and reflection, compassion and togetherness, justice and grace.” There couldn’t be a more fitting description for Nye.
A Journey Through Words
Naomi Shihab Nye’s career is as rich as her poetry. She has published dozens of books, ranging from poetry collections to novels, and children’s literature. Notably, her latest works include “Grace Notes,” a poignant collection of poems inspired by the loss of her mother, and “I Know About a Thousand Things: The Writings of Ann Alejandro of Uvalde, Texas,” a collaborative effort with her friend Marion Winik.
The Power of Cultural Connection
The Academy Chancellor, Afaa Michael Weaver, shared insights into why Nye’s work resonates so deeply. He said, “Naomi Shihab Nye has borne witness to the complexities of cultural difference that connect us as human beings.” Her dedication to exploring her Palestinian heritage through her writing sheds light on the pressing issues of our time, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel. Weaver highlighted that her message echoes the wisdom passed down from her grandmother: “only peace brings lasting peace.”
A Season of Recognition
This award is just the icing on the cake for Nye this fall. She was also recently honored with the Texas Writer Award during the Texas Book Festival, which celebrates authors who have made significant contributions to Texas literature. Interestingly, this award includes a pair of custom-made cowboy boots—how uniquely Texan!
A Lifetime of Accolades
Throughout her impressive career, Naomi Shihab Nye has accumulated a multitude of accolades. She has received lifetime achievement awards from organizations like the National Book Critics Circle, the Texas Institute of Letters, and the Arab American Museum. She even held the title of Young People’s Poet Laureate from the Poetry Foundation from 2019 to 2022. Her book, “19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East,” was also a finalist for the National Book Award in young people’s literature.
Celebrating Poetry in San Antonio
As San Antonio continues to celebrate its literary talent, Naomi Shihab Nye serves as a shining example of how one person’s voice can echo across cultures and generations. Whether you’re an avid reader of poetry or just someone who appreciates the beauty of words, it’s hard not to feel inspired by her achievements. Here’s to more recognition for this incredible poet and the power of her art!
