2025 Zora Awards Finalists Are Here — See the Full List (Exclusive)

The Zora Awards for 2025 have unveiled their finalists, celebrating Black writers in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. The Zora Awards are named after renowned author Zora Neale Hurston and represent a prestigious accolade within the literary community. Scheduled for announcement on October 17 in Washington, D.C., the finalists cover a range of categories.

In the realm of general fiction, Myriam J.A. Chancy, Yvonne Battle-Felton, and Percival Everett are recognised for their works. Debut fiction finalists include Sarai Johnson, Essie Chambers, and Afabwaje Kurian, showcasing fresh voices in the genre. The nonfiction category sees notable names such as Catherine Joy White, Felicia B. George, Aaron Robertson, Dionne Brand, Carvell Wallace, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs amongst the finalists.

The poetry section features distinguished poets Carl Phillips, Alison C. Rollins, and Okwudili Nebeolisa. The Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation, organisers of the awards, recently renamed their Legacy Awards to the Zora Awards in honour of Zora Neale Hurston. This renaming pays homage to Hurston’s influential contributions during the Harlem Renaissance.

The Zora Awards ceremony, where the winners will be announced, will take place on October 17 in Washington, D.C. The statuette designed by artist Rebecca Robinson will be presented to the recipients. Robinson expresses her honour and enthusiasm in creating the artwork for the Zora Awards, blending emotion, dialogue, and storytelling in her mixed-media pieces.

Established in 2002, the Zora Awards align with the 35th anniversary of the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation this year. The partnership with the Hurston/Wright Foundation aims to commemorate Hurston’s legacy and promote outstanding storytelling within the Black community. The Zora Awards mark a pivotal moment in celebrating diversity and excellence in literature.

The Zora Awards not only highlight the talent within the Black literary community but also serve as a platform for artists to amplify their voices and share their stories with a wider audience. The recognition and support provided by the awards foster a culture of inclusivity and creativity within the literary landscape.

In a statement, Lisandra Green, trustee of The Zora Neale Hurston Trust, underscores the enduring impact of Zora Neale Hurston’s work and legacy. The commitment to preserving and promoting her exceptional contributions reflects the foundation’s dedication to honouring her memory. The Zora Awards stand as a testament to Hurston’s profound influence on storytelling and cultural representation.

As the anticipation builds towards the Zora Awards ceremony, writers, readers, and literary enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the winners. The Zora Awards continue to uphold Hurston’s legacy by recognising and celebrating the diverse voices and narratives within the Black literary community. Stay tuned for the exciting revelation of this year’s Zora Award recipients.