Fuller Award Ceremony: Angela Jackson

Angela Jackson, the author of highly-praised novels, a biography, poetry, and plays, will be honored with a Fuller Award for lifetime achievement at the landmark Poetry Foundation buildingon May 17, from 7-9 p.m. Jackson, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side, has been a consistent contributor to our literary culture since her debut poetry collection, Voodoo Love Magic, in 1974.

Jackson, an early member of the Organization of Black American Culture, has published six volumes of poetry, two novels, five plays, and a biography. Last year, Jackson wrote a biography of Gwendolyn Brooks called A Surprised Queenhood in the New Black Sun, and this spring eta Creative Arts Foundation staged her original play, Comfort Stew. Jackson’s work has been recognized and awarded prizes from a wide variety of important literary organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Book Award, the Poetry Society of America, the DuSable Museum, and many more.

Nearly a dozen speakers, including Anne Gendler, Cornelia Spelman, Useni Eugene Perkins, Sarah Odishoo, Haki Madhubuti, Reginald Gibbons, Kemati Porter, Carole A. Parks, Dr. Ann E. Smith, and Johnetta Anderson, will give brief tributes to Jackson’s life, art, and contributions to Chicago. There will be a reception following the ceremony, which is free and open to the public. Chicago Writers Association, along with the Poetry Foundation, are partnering with the Chicago Literary Hal of Fame to stage the event.

Doors open at 6:30, and it is highly recommended that guests arrive early to ensure entrance and seating. Refreshments will be served.