African Literature Association Awards
Due Date: 10-31-2024
The African Literature Association (ALA) is currently accepting nominations for the following awards. The awards will be presented at the ALA Conference, held on 26–28 June 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya.
Graduate Student Best Essay Award (Deadline: 15 September 2024):
For an outstanding paper in African literary studies by a graduate student. Authors must be current members of the ALA. The paper must have been presented at the preceding ALA conference (i.e., in 2024). (The expectation is that authors have had the benefit of comments at the conference and have revised the paper).
Send, by email to lewiss@cofc.edu, the following:
(1) the paper and an abstract, in a Word document, with no name or any other identifying mark anywhere
(2) a pdf file of the 2023 ALA Conference Program page showing the panel in which the paper was presented
(3) CV and bio
Book of the Year Award—Creative Writing (Deadline: 15 September 2024):
For an outstanding book of African literature, whether novel, nonfiction prose, play, or poetry collection, published in the preceding calendar year (2023) by an African writer. Authors must be current members of the ALA. Authors or their publishers can make nominations.
In the first instance, please send an author bio and one-page book description to lewiss@cofc.edu.
Book of the Year Award—Scholarship (Deadline: 15 September 2024):
For an outstanding book in African literary studies published in the preceding calendar year (2023). Authors must be current members of the ALA. Book must be published by a reputable peer-reviewed press. Authors or their publishers can make nominations.
In the first instance, please send an author bio and one-page book description to lewiss@cofc.edu.
First Book Award—Scholarship (Deadline: 15 September 2024):
For an outstanding book in African literary studies, which is the first book by the author, and published in the preceding calendar year (2023). Authors must be current members of the ALA. Book must be published by a reputable peer-reviewed press. Authors or their publishers can make nominations.
In the first instance, please send an author bio and one-page book description to lewiss@cofc.edu.
Abioseh Porter Best Article Award (Deadline: 15 September 2024):
For an outstanding article in African literary studies published in a major peer-reviewed journal in the preceding calendar year (2023). Authors must be current members of the ALA. Authors or their publishers can make nominations.
Send a pdf copy to lewiss@cofc.edu.
Best Short Story Award (Deadline: 15 September 2024):
For an outstanding African short story published in the preceding calendar year (2023) by an African writer. Authors must be current members of the ALA. Authors or their publishers can make nominations.
Send a pdf copy to lewiss@cofc.edu.
Fonlon-Nichols Award (Deadline: 31 October 2024):
For excellence in creative writing and contributions to the struggle for human rights and freedom of expression. It is given every year to an African writer. The award was established in 1992 to honor Bernard Fonlon and Lee Nichols for their contributions to both African literature and the freedom of expression. Authors cannot nominate themselves, and neither can their publishers nominate them.
Send nominations as email document attachments to lewiss@cofc.edu. Please note: the nomination statement should contain:
(1) a biographical profile of the nominee
(2) a detailed justification for the nomination. This should not be more than 2 single-spaced or 4 double-spaced pages.
ALA Distinguished Member Award (Deadline: 31 October 2024):
For outstanding record of service to the ALA and commitment to teaching and scholarship in African literature. By nomination only. Nominees must have distinguished themselves over the years in service to the ALA, and commitment to teaching and scholarship in, and promotion of, African literature. Self-nominations are not accepted.
Send nominations as email document attachments to lewiss@cofc.edu. Please note: the nomination statement should contain:
(1) a biographical profile of the nominee
(2) a detailed justification for the nomination. This should not be more than 2 single spaced or 4 double-spaced pages.
For more information, visit the ALA website.