Meet the Judges
The Literary and Visual Arts Advisory Panels include acclaimed writers, artists, and Fisk University faculty who will review submissions in both categories. Featuring renowned authors, experienced educators and practitioners in literature and visual arts. The panel will evaluate works for creativity, craft, and engagement with themes of resilience, courage, justice and unconquerable peace.
Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
Guest Literary Judge
Honorée Fanonne Jeffers is an acclaimed poet, novelist, and essayist whose work explores Black history, identity, and memory. She is the author of several award-winning poetry collections and the bestselling novel The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois, which received national acclaim for its sweeping portrayal of African American life across generations.
Recently retired from her role as a professor of English at the University of Oklahoma, she is now a full-time writer whose work continues to appear in major literary journals and publications. A graduate of Talladega College, Jeffers shares a connection with Juliette Derricotte through their alma mater, linking both as Black women with powerful intellectual voices.
