Ukata Edwardson has been announced as the winner of the 2024 C.D. Wright Prize for Poetry for his piece, Matrimony of Mimicry and Maintenance.
The C.D. Wright Prize for Poetry, established by The Arkansas International, honors the legacy of the acclaimed poet C.D. Wright by recognizing innovative poetry that “lives freely and variously and fully engaged with others and the world.” Open to poets writing in English who have not yet published a first book, the annual prize awards $1,000 and publication in The Arkansas International. The prize seeks to celebrate work that embodies Wright’s spirit of daring and deep engagement with the world.
Chosen by acclaimed poet Richard Siken, Edwardson’s poem stood out for its depth, evocative imagery, and ‘compelling exploration of identity’.
Ukata Edwardson is a queer writer of color from Nigeria, a finalist in the Newfound Org Anzaldua Poetry Prize 2022, his poetry often delves into themes of identity, memory, and personal experience, reflecting a deep engagement with both personal and communal narratives. His poetry has appeared in publications such as FOLIO, Madness Muse Press, Disquiet Arts, and Sub-Saharan Magazine, Lolwe, and Channel.
As the winner of the 2024 C.D. Wright Prize for Poetry, Edwardson will receive a cash prize worth $1000 and his winning poem will be published in The Arkansas International upcoming issue.
Congratulations Ukata Edwardson on this great win!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
