In a historic move that celebrates the lasting legacy of one of the most influential writers of the Harlem Renaissance, the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation has announced it will rename its prestigious Legacy Awards to the Zora Awards, effective this year. The new name pays tribute to Zora Neale Hurston, whose groundbreaking contributions to literature continue to inspire generations of writers.
The Zora Awards will retain its focus on recognizing exceptional Black authors in the genres of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, while also introducing a new category to honor debut fiction writers. The Zora Award for Debut Fiction will be accompanied by a $20,000 cash prize, generously underwritten by an anonymous donor. This year’s awards ceremony will take place in Washington D.C. on October 17, 2025.
The renaming of the awards is particularly significant as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of a pivotal moment in Hurston’s career. On May 1, 1925, Hurston received four prizes at Opportunity Magazine’s literary awards dinner, including second place for her short story “Spunk” and her play “Color Struck.” That evening is often remembered for showcasing Hurston’s vibrant personality and distinctive style, marking her as a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
Hurston, who passed away in 1960, is best known for her 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, one of the defining works of 20th-century American literature. Her literary legacy also includes a collection of short stories, essays, plays, and her autobiography, Dust Tracks on a Road, all of which contributed to her enduring influence in the literary world.
In a statement, Lisandra Green, trustee for The Zora Neale Hurston Trust, expressed deep enthusiasm for the name change. “Zora Neale Hurston’s enduring impact on the world is a testament to her extraordinary talent and tenacious spirit. We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the Hurston/Wright Foundation and deeply honored to have the Legacy Award renamed the ‘Zora’ in her memory.”
Founded in 1990, the Hurston/Wright Foundation seeks to enrich the Black literary community through mentorship, workshops, and celebration of Black authors. The foundation’s Legacy Awards, which have been honoring Black writers since 2002, were the first national awards program dedicated to recognizing Black writers from a national organization of Black authors. Previous honorees include notable figures such as Zadie Smith, Hanif Abdurraqib, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Finalists for the 2025 Zora Awards will be announced in August, with the awards ceremony scheduled for October 17.
