There are many sources of funds for minority students who write, study and publish poetry. Minorities have access to these funds from presses, organizations and literary magazines that provide monetary awards to those who write poetry well. Poetry award money can be used toward education and other writing endeavors.
Awards for African-American Writers
The Lotus Press Naomi Long Madgett poetry award is given to African-American poets who write poetry. The poet may be published or not and have to be written by the poet alone, without help from any other person. The poet must submit no more than 90 pages of poetry and each poem must be no more than one page. There must be no other than one page of poetry. The prize is awarded every year and totals $500.
A prize of $1,000 and publication by the University of Georgia Press is given to an African-American poet's poetry collection. The award is given each year. According to Cave Canem, the literary organization who provides a place for poetry, artistic cultivation and professional growth.
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association also offers prizes to black writers who produce fiction, nonfiction and other forms of writing. They also honor first-time writers.
Awards for Latino and Latina Writers
Latino and Latina poets may apply for the Institute for Latino Studies' Andres Montoya poetry prize. This is a prestigious award, according to the Andres Montoya site, "provides a space for artists who, while part of the largest and fastest growing minority in the United States, are also increasingly diverse in their modes of literary expression. The Prize, therefore, does not privilege any particular style, subject matter, or aesthetic. While not losing sight of the traditions and conditions that gave rise to that literary expression, the Prize has as its goal to nurture the various paths that Latino poetry is taking in the 21st Century. The Prize is awarded every other year."
Scholarships and Awards for Minorities
The National Federation of State Poetry Societies offers many scholarships and awards per state based on many factors, including minority status. There are scholarships for American Indians, African-Americans, Hispanics and Latinos. Interested candidates are asked to become members of the society prior to applying for many of the awards.
The Asian American Writers' Workshop also awards writers who produce fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, memoir, stage plays and screenplays.
For basic scholarship information, Fast Web provides scholarships for minorities. Interested candidates must register for free as a member and search by award and scholarship genre, including poetry and heritage. Scholarships are offered for educational and non-educational purposes.
Lisa Marie Basile - L. Basile is a professional writer and the author of three books. She is a Masters of Writing candidate and the editor of Patasola ...
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