Ishmael Reed is a prolific and multi-talented author, known for his work in novels, plays, poetry, and non-fiction. Ishmael Reed's accolades are a testament to his literary prowess. He is a MacArthur Fellow, and his nominations for a National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize underscore his impact on the literary landscape. He is also a celebrated songwriter, with his compositions recorded by renowned artists. With over 30 published books to his name, his impact on the literary world is undeniable.
In November 2022, Scribner's honored his acclaimed novel Mumbo Jumbo with a new edition, commemorating its 50th year in print. Reed even contributed a new introduction to this milestone release. His poetry collection, Why the Black Hole Sings the Blues: Poems 2007-2020, published in November 2020, features the noteworthy poem "Just Rollin' Along," which was selected for "The Best American Poetry" in 2019.
Reed's versatility extends beyond literature. He has ventured into the world of audio books, narrating his memoir Malcolm and Me, released by Audible in 2020, and presenting his short story, The Fool Who Thought Too Much, in the same year. In November 2022, Audible released his novella, The Man Who Was Not Himself. As a playwright, Reed's works have graced both virtual and physical stages. His most recent play, The Conductor, produced this year in New York is currently touring and receiving rave reviews.
Reed's contributions to literature extend beyond his own work. He has edited multiple anthologies and founded two non-profit organizations, the Before Columbus Foundation and PEN Oakland, both dedicated to supporting writers.
In his musical endeavors, Reed's piano skills have garnered recognition, and he was named San Francisco's first Jazz Poet Laureate from 2012 to 2016. He's been acknowledged internationally, receiving the Alberto Dubito International award in Venice, Italy.
Ishmael Reed's impact is not limited to his written works. He continues to inspire and innovate in various creative domains, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and literature. He is the 2023 North Star award
recipient, named during the 2023 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy Awards at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC. The North Star award is a merit award for lifetime achievement in the literary arts.
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The Hurston/Wright Foundation presents The Black Writer’s Studio, a podcast dedicated to showcasing Black Writers who are transforming the world today with their literary pen. Host Dr. Khadijah Ali-Coleman interviews novelists, poets, scholars, screenwriters and more. Visit us at http://www.HurstonWright.org to learn more about Hurston Wright Foundation.
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