The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) announced the winners of the 31st Annual Larry Neal Writers’ Competition on Friday, May 9, 2014, at the Kogod Cradle at Arena Stage. The competition, which was held in partnership with the PEN/Faulkner Foundation, commemorates the artistic legacy and vision of cultural understanding of Larry Neal, a renowned author, academic and former Executive Director of the DCCAH.
The Awards Ceremony was marked with exciting performances, including Dolores Kendrick, the Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia as well as stage readings of selected winners’ work.
In March 2014, the DCCAH received over 130 submissions from emerging and established writers residing in the District of Columbia, a true testament to the vitality of the literary arts here in the nation’s capital. Award categories include poetry, fiction, essays and dramatic writing. Thirty finalists were announced earlier in May.
“It’s no secret that Washington, DC has a vibrant and thriving arts scene, and the literary arts are an exciting part of that community,” said Judith Terra, Chair of DCCAH. “The Larry Neal Writers’ Awards highlight the outstanding work these authors create. We are proud to showcase the District as a world-class cultural capital on the international stage."
“We are continually impressed with the literary excellence in the District of Columbia, from all levels of writing experience, that contributes to making our city a wonderful place to live, work and play," said Lionell Thomas, Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
AWARDEES
Adult Poetry
Gregory Luce
for Dream of Hands, Near Thanksgiving and Fire Song
Adult Fiction
Fataima Warner
for Eggs
Adult Dramatic Writing
Michael Moss
for Day of Atonement
Teen Poetry
Daniela Shia-Sevilla
for Ocean and Orchids
Teen Fiction
Kay Dosunmu
for Pushed
Youth Poetry
Sophia Diggs-Galligan
for Autos and Neo-Applicant
Youth Poetry
Raya Kenney
for Missing Smile
Youth Fiction
Ellida Parker
for The Wanderers
Youth and Teen Essay
Zahir Muhammad
for Give a Man a Fish and He’ll Eat for a Day
About the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities provides grants, professional opportunities, education enrichment, and other programs and services to individuals and nonprofit organizations in all communities within the District of Columbia. The Arts Commission is supported primarily by District government funds and in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.