ICYMI: The Last Week in Black Writing and Culture (9/17 - 9/23)

The MacArthur Foundation announced its list of Fellows for 2016. The group of 23 “geniuses” represent the best of creativity and innovation in their fields, and will receive a stipend of $625,000 over five years. Graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang, Poet Claudia Rankine, Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Art Historian Kellie Jones, and Sculptor Joyce J. Scott are among this year’s fellows.


Cave Canem won the National Book Foundation’s Literarian Award, the first time its been presented to an organization instead of an individual. Founded in 1996, Cave Canem supports African American poets and their works through programming, promotion, and fellowships.

Disney’s latest film Queen of Katwe tells the story of Phiona Mutesi, a young girl from Uganda who becomes a chess champion. NPR caught up with the lead actress Madina Nalwanga to discuss her similar upbringing and how this experience has changed her life. 

We continue to highlight the ongoing #WeNeedDiverseBooks discussion and coverage. Check out the New York Times list of “Children’s Books that Tackle Race and Ethnicity.”