Ghanaian-American writer, Afua Ansong has been announced as one of the shortlisted poets for the prestigious Oxford Poetry Prize 2024.
Founded in 1910, Oxford Poetry holds the distinction of being the UK’s oldest dedicated poetry magazine, and one of the oldest in the world. It began as a publication by undergraduates at the University of Oxford, with Basil Blackwell as its original publisher. Over the years, the magazine has been shaped by the literary giants who served as editors, including Kingsley Amis, W. H. Auden, Vera Brittain, Robert Graves, and Siegfried Sassoon, among others.
In the 1980s, a revitalization spearheaded by Mick Imlah, Elise Paschen, and Bernard O’Donoghue shifted the journal to a more outward-facing platform, welcoming poetry beyond the student body while still preserving its ties to the university. Today, Oxford Poetry is published independently by Partus Press, based in Oxford, continuing its long tradition of championing innovative voices in contemporary poetry.
This commitment to excellence is reflected in the Oxford Poetry Prize, which celebrates outstanding contributions to modern poetry. This year, the prize recognized Afua Ansong alongside a distinguished list of writers, including;
- Claressinka Anderson
- AV Bridgwood
- Roberto Salvador Cenciarelli
- Rachel Curzon
- Jordan Hamel
- Sam Kerbel
- Natalie Perman
- Zain Rishi
- Conan Tan
- Alison Tanik
- Daniella Toosie-Watson
- Milena Williamson
Each poet was selected for their compelling pieces and contributions to the literary world.
A Ghanaian American poet, writer, photographer, and dancer whose work explores the complexities of identity, transition, and the immigrant experience, Afua Ansong is a 2015 & 2018 BRIO (Bronx Recognizes Its Own) recipient and a 2017 Callaloo Fellow. Known for her deep engagement with themes surrounding African womanhood and citizenship in the United States. Her works can be found in Prairie Schooner, Frontier, Newfound, and other notable publications.
Congratulations Afua Ansong!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
