San Antonio’s Naomi Shihab Nye Honored with Wallace Stevens Award

San Antonio Poet Naomi Shihab Nye Wins Wallace Stevens Award

Big news from San Antonio! The beloved poet Naomi Shihab Nye has been honored with the prestigious Wallace Stevens Award from the Academy of American Poets. This lifetime achievement award, which comes with a whopping $100,000 stipend, recognizes poets who have made significant contributions to the world of poetry. Naomi’s name now proudly joins the ranks of literary luminaries like Rita Dove, Louise Glück, and W. S. Merwin.

A Grand Announcement

The excitement unfolded at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, where the Academy also recognized poet Evie Shockley, who received a fellowship valued at $25,000. In a heartfelt statement, Ricardo Maldonado, the Academy’s president and executive director, referred to both Nye and Shockley as “two major voices” who highlight the beautiful potential of poetry to foster compassion, justice, and grace in our lives.

The Journey of Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi’s journey as a poet has been nothing short of inspiring. Over her long and prolific career, she has produced an impressive collection of works, including poetry collections, novels, and even children’s books. From her thoughtful poetry to touching stories, Nye has crafted pieces that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Her latest offerings, “Grace Notes”, a poignant collection of poems reflecting on her mother’s passing, and “I Know About a Thousand Things: The Writings of Ann Alejandro of Uvalde, Texas,” which she co-edited, showcase the range of her talent.

A Voice for Connection

As Academy Chancellor Afaa Michael Weaver noted, Nye’s body of work is a remarkable testimony to the complexities of cultural differences that unify us as humans. Her poems often celebrate her Palestinian heritage while embracing themes of love, hope, and the beauty found within the little things in life, a message inspired by her cherished grandmother. In a world often riddled with conflict, her advocacy for peace shines brightly and reminds us of the significance in connecting through poetry.

More Awards to Celebrate

This award comes as part of an exciting season for Nye. Just earlier this month, she was also recognized with the Texas Writer Award during the Texas Book Festival, another testament to her impact on Texas literature. What’s even more charming? This award comes with a pair of custom-made cowboy boots, merging traditional Texan culture with her artistic achievements!

A Legacy of Acclaim

This is not the first time Naomi Shihab Nye has been recognized for her hard work and contributions to poetry. Over the years, she has also received numerous lifetime achievement awards from various organizations, including the National Book Critics Circle and the Texas Institute of Letters. Her influence is well respected, and just between us, she even served as the Poetry Foundation’s Young People’s Poet Laureate from 2019 to 2022. Incredible, right?

With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Nye’s contributions to the literary world continue to inspire. Her passion for observing the world around her and reflecting on important humanitarian issues makes her a treasured figure in poetry’s landscape.

A Community’s Pride

San Antonio can be extremely proud to claim Naomi Shihab Nye as one of its own! As she continues to receive accolades and commendations, we can’t help but feel her impact radiating through our city and beyond. With the Wallace Stevens Award in her hand and the support from the community behind her, we can only look forward to what incredible stories and poems will emerge next from this talented poet.