About the Award

The Maya Angelou Book Award was founded in 2020 to honor the legacy of Missouri-born author Maya Angelou. The award recognizes contemporary authors whose work demonstrates a commitment to social justice in America or the world. The Maya Angelou Book Award recognizes works of poetry or fiction in alternating years.

In 2022, the Maya Angelou Book Award will be given to a work of fiction. Poetry submissions are not eligible for the 2022 award.

2022 Award Snapshot

Submissions open: February 8, 2022
Submissions close: April 1, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. CDT
Announcement of winner: Fall 2022
Book tour and ceremony: TBD

For Writers

Each year, one writer will win $10,000, conduct a reading tour of Missouri colleges, universities and libraries, and be recognized in a ceremony sponsored by the Kansas City Public Library, the University of Missouri and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.