SONIA SANCHEZ

Sonia Sanchez has received the Jackson Poetry Prize, an $80,000 award that continues a recent wave of lifetime achievement honors for the 87-year-old poet, educator and activist.

The poet, activist and educator Sonia Sanchez is this year’s winner of the Edward MacDowell Medal, a lifetime achievement honor started in 1960 and previously given to Robert Frost, Toni Morrison and Stephen Sondheim among others.

Every March, we celebrate the lives and accomplishments of women during Women’s History Month. Below are 10 powerful women who have shaped American poetry and inspired a new generation of female poets, curated by Staff Culture Writer Layomi Adeojo:Rupi KaurEmbed from Getty ImagesIf you’re on Instagram, you’ve likely stumbled across Kaur’s work. Her poetry, which features bold writing coupled with simple, yet compelling illustrations, touches on themes like love, femininity and identity. Emily DickinsonEmbed from Getty ImagesOne of the most famous poets in US history, Emily Dickinson ushered in a new era of poetry that experimented with non-traditional forms of poetry. In addition to writing poetry, she has also authored a nonfiction book titled “Minor Feelings”, which provides a close examination of America’s racial consciousness and Anti-Asian racism.

The History MakersBlack libraries and Black librarians hold a special place in our society. Not only the Negro child but [the children] of all races should read and know of the achievements, accomplishments and deeds of the Negro. Her sentiment applied not only to children, but to people of all ages and races, and has been faithfully carried forward by Black librarians. It would be a mixture of Black and white scientists and even women scientists. But Ill never forget, we had one of those classic old-school librarians who didnt let you talk above a low whisper, wanted the place quiet. There is still much work to be done to preserve and make accessible the stories and culture of African Americans throughout this nations history, and the seminal role of Black librarians and libraries will continue well into the future.