And The Winner Was…
not me, but The Untelling did get a runner-up award. Notice that I mention this up front. I didn’t make you read through my whole post to find out. (In this, I am trying to lead by example.)
The Hurston/Wright Awards were held at the D.C. Press Club last night. It was a fancy affair– $125 tickets, after-five attire. I kept it simple, black tea-length dress, silver shoes, bag, hair ornaments. There were many celebrities there– by this I mean people you can actually recognize, not just writers. S. Epatha Makerson, the “sister from Law and Order” was the M.C. She was a little bit toned-down than she was in the 2002 ceremony. The highlight of that event was her quip to David Anthony Durham who, in his acceptance speech thanked his wife for all the sacrifices she had made for his career. When Madame M.C. returned to the mike, she said, “She worked while you were sitting home working on that book! Umph. That better be a good book!” This time, she made jokes about having a pay alimony to her ex-husband. When Baltimore publisher, Paul Coates, upon receiving the North Star Award thanked his ex-wife, Ms. M.C. gave her hearty approval. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”
This year, H/W upgraded the statuettes. In previous years, winner received a statuette that looked like the Oscar, but black. (By that I mean they were black and they were BLACK.) But now the winners are given figures of Egyptian gods.
There were celebrities there. I met Zane and her editor Maliaka Adero. Ms. Adero has the most beautiful hair of anyone on the planet. This is just a fact. Morgan Freeman was in attendance, too.
I should tell you that my version of events should not be trusted because I was suffering from acute hunger. I’ll admit, I didn’t read the invitation carefully. I have been to H/W three times before and each time it was your traditional Negro Banquet. I was ready for my droopy salad with French dressing and my chicken! But there were only heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert. I passed on the fried whatzits coming around, saving my appetite for the meal that never came.
And did I mention that my feet were hurting before I even left the house?
I was seated next to Dana Crum, one of the judges in my category. “Hi,” he said. “I liked your book. I was one of the judges in your category, but I can’t tell you if you won or not.” He is the author of a forthcoming novel about trauma, pennance and redemption, set in Washington, DC. I can’t wait to read it.
I tell you, the ceremony went by quickly. We were in and out in about 87 minutes. In the past, the ceremony lasted about three hours. Like I said, Traditional Negro Banquet.
So, when it came to the fiction category, the runners-up were announced in alpha-order announced: David Anthony Durham for The Pride of Carthage. David and I are sort of the fraternal twins of a certain literary scene. We both won the H/W College Award and our first books won the Legacy Award for Debut. Now, we were both up for a second round.
Then, my name was called and I went up to the mike. Ms. Epatha said, “Look at her, all pretty.” Then, I started grinning like a jack o’lantern. In my acceptance speech, I told the truth. When I won the Hurston/Wright College award I was just a kiddo, scribbling on this book about the Atlanta Child Murders. The first real vote of approval on that project was from H/W, and I will always be grateful for that.
Afterwards, the mingling and photos began. I was accompanyed at the event by Victor Ehikhamenor— a writer, painter and photographer. He took photos of the event with his fancy camera and I hope he will allow us to post his photos here. (hint, hint, Victor!)
So those were the festivities. It’s now the morning after. I’ve had my coffee. It’s time to write again. No matter what happens the night before– the next day, it’s on the the next page.
Here’s the photo album
And how could I forget to tell you who won: Nancy Rawles for My Jim. Congrats, Nancy.
Check out the Washington Post story. I’m quoted on page two. You would have thought there was an open bar for all the babbling I did!
UPDATE: Victor got the hint and sent a link to his lovely photos!