Georgia Writers Hall of Fame

A scholar of southern culture, two poets, and an historical novelist will be inducted into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame at its 2017 ceremony in November.

Established by the University of Georgia Libraries in 2000, the hall seeks to honor Georgia writers past and present.

“It is always exciting to share the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame judges’ selections each year,” said P. Toby Graham, university librarian and associate provost. “And each year it is our privilege to remind Georgia readers of the wealth our state’s literary heritage.”

Judith Ortiz Cofer, a retired University of Georgia professor, member of the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame, and University of Georgia Press author, passed away on December 30th. 

Lisa Bayer, director of the Press, offers a remembrance of Cofer on their site.

Five new members, including the first African-American to win a Pulitzer Prize, will be inducted into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame Nov. 7 at the University of Georgia Libraries.

The ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at the Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries. This year’s honorees include humorist Roy Blount Jr., novelist Brainard Cheney, social activist Katharine Du Pre Lumpkin, short-story writer James Alan McPherson and journalist Bill Shipp.

“The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame events are always a highlight of the year for the UGA Libraries,” said P. Toby Graham, university librarian and associate provost. “We consider it a privilege to recognize the contributions of Georgia writers to the world of literature and beyond.”