The Legacy Awards
Present
The Zoras
A new way of renewing the recognition of Black excellence in our literary world
In tribute to Zora Neal Hurston, the Foundation has renamed the awards for each category for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and debut fiction – The Zora. These awards will hereby be presented at future annual HWF Legacy Awards.
The Legacy Awards
Present
The Zoras
A new way of renewing the recognition of Black excellence in our literary world!
In tribute to Zora Neale Hurston, the Foundation has renamed the awards for each category for Fiction, Nonfiction, Debut Fiction, and Poetry – The Zora. These awards (now renamed) will be presented at future annual HWF Legacy Awards.
About the Zora Awards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This fall, The Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation will announce the winners of the 2025 Legacy Awards, celebrating exceptional literary achievement among Black writers in various categories. The awards will be presented during our annual event to be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at The Westin Downtown DC Hotel.
Established in 2001, the Legacy Awards program honors Black writers in the United States and around the world for their contributions to literature. It is the first national award presented to Black writers by a national organization of Black writers. Categories for the Legacy Awards include Fiction, Nonfiction, Debut Fiction, and Poetry. Established Black writers along with former Legacy finalists and winners serve as judges.
In addition to the Legacy Awards, the foundation also recognizes outstanding contributions through its Merit Awards. They are presented in three categories: the North Star Award for extraordinary literary achievement, the Ella Baker Award for exceptional work that advances social justice, and the Madam C.J. Walker Award for innovative and entrepreneurial support of Black writers and literature.
Winners of the 2024 Legacy Awards
The Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation is proud to present the previous winners of the 2024 Legacy Awards, celebrating the excellence of Black writers in various categories. The awards were presented during the 23rd annual Legacy Awards Gala on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Washington Plaza Hotel in Washington, D.C. Click here to meet the winners.
Mihret Sibhat
The History of a Difficult Child (Viking Books)
Soraya Palmer
The Human Origins of Beatrice Porter and Other Essential Ghosts (Catapult)
Moses Ose Utomi
Lies of Ajungo (Tordotcom)
Victor Luckerson
Built From the Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, America’s Black Wall Street (Random House)
Voices That Inspire — In Their Own Words
Hear from past honorees, participants, and supporters about the powerful impact of the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Zora Awards.
Be apart of the celebration
Join us for the 35th Anniversary and the inaugural presentation of the Zora Awards—honoring excellence in Black literature.
Partner in the Power of Storytelling
Celebrate 35 years of impact—support the Zora Awards as a sponsor and make a lasting contribution to Black literature and the efforts of Black Writers.
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