News Summary
Local writer and poet Mildred Kiconco Barya from Asheville has been honored with the 2025 Jacobs/Jones African American Literary Prize for her work ‘Sing for the Women.’ This notable achievement not only showcases her literary talent but also brings pride to the community. The prize includes a monetary award and the chance for her work to be published by The Carolina Quarterly. Barya, an Associate Professor at UNC-Asheville, has a rich history of literary recognition and continues to inspire others.
Asheville’s Own Mildred Kiconco Barya Shines Bright with Literary Honor
Asheville is buzzing with excitement as local writer and poet, Mildred Kiconco Barya, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Jacobs/Jones African American Literary Prize for her captivating work titled “Sing for the Women.” This remarkable achievement not only highlights her literary talent but also brings pride to the community.
What’s the Prize All About?
The Jacobs/Jones prize comes with a delightful monetary award of $1,000. But wait, it gets even better! Barya’s winning entry will also be in the running for publication by The Carolina Quarterly, a well-respected platform for literary works. This opportunity could take her work to a brand-new audience and further her already impressive career.
A Nod of Approval
Judged by the seasoned creative writer Christian J. Collier, Barya’s piece was recognized for its in-depth exploration of the endurance and resourcefulness of Black women. The thoughtful research and meticulous care she put into “Sing for the Women” truly made it stand out among the entries.
Meet Mildred Kiconco Barya
For those who do not yet know her, Barya serves as an Associate Professor at UNC-Asheville. In addition to her teaching role, she passionately coordinates the Poetrio Reading events at Malaprop’s Independent Bookstore/Café, bringing the community closer to poetry and literature.
With four full-length poetry collections under her belt, including “The Animals of My Earth School,” which was published just last year, Barya’s contributions to the literary world are vast. Her works have graced the pages of various well-regarded publications such as The New England Review, Tin House, and The Cincinnati Review. Each of her pieces showcases her profound understanding of the nuances of human experience.
History of Recognition
Barya’s journey is filled with accolades, and her hard work has certainly not gone unnoticed. Back in 2020, she took home the Linda Flowers Literary Award for her insightful essay “Being Here in This Body.” Just last year, she was a runner-up for the Jacobs/Jones Prize with her heartfelt piece “Rituals of Home.” The new win marks a historic milestone as she becomes the third contestant to snag first prize after previously securing second place in this competitive contest.
What’s Next for Barya?
As the literary scene in Asheville anticipates more exciting works from Barya, she is also set to lead a poetry class titled “The More-than-Human World” at the upcoming North Carolina Writers’ Network Spring Conference, which will be held from May 2-4. This conference promises to be a vibrant gathering of writers, and her class will surely inspire participants to observe and interact with the world around them.
Celebrating a Rich Legacy
The Jacobs/Jones Prize celebrates the remarkable contributions of 19th-century African American writers like Harriet Jacobs, who bravely shared her autobiography “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” in 1861, and Thomas Jones, a former slave who became an abolitionist publishing his own memoir in 1854. The prize seeks to honor the diverse experiences of African American/Black North Carolinians today, continuing a legacy of storytelling and resilience.
From Uganda to Asheville
Born and raised in Kabale, Uganda, Barya began her writing journey at a young age while tending to cattle, weaving narratives inspired by her surroundings. Pursuing her passion led her to higher education at Makerere University in Kampala, and eventually, she moved to the United States where she earned an MFA at Syracuse University—an impressive feat as she was selected amongst more than 700 applicants.
Barya’s path included teaching in Alabama and diving into a PhD program in Denver before ultimately being welcomed into the English Department at UNC-Asheville. Throughout her career, she has conducted nature-based writing workshops that encourage individuals to engage deeply with their environments—a theme that resonates throughout her poignant works.
In conclusion, Barya’s recent win is not just a personal achievement; it’s a celebration of her roots, her passion for storytelling, and the vibrant literary community of Asheville. Her journey continues to inspire and uplift those around her, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Woman of the Earth School
- The Forest She Saved
- Wikipedia: Mildred Kiconco Barya
- Google Search: Jacobs/Jones African American Literary Prize
- The Carolina Quarterly
