#United States #Chicago #Poetry Foundation #Pegasus Awards #Rigoberto González

Poetry Foundation Announces 2025 Pegasus Award Winners

On September 10, 2025, the Poetry Foundation proudly unveiled the recipients of the esteemed 2025 Pegasus Awards, a collection of literary honors designed to recognize exceptional contributions to the world of poetry and literature. Established by the Foundation in 2004, these awards encompass various categories, showcasing individuals who have made significant impacts in the literary arts.

2025 Award Recipients

• - Rigoberto González: Recipient of the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize
• - Amy Stolls: Winner of the Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry
• - Kazim Ali: Honored with the Pegasus Award for Poetry Criticism

Rigoberto González: A Lifetime of Achievement

The Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize celebrates the lifetime achievements of a poet residing in the United States, awarding an impressive cash prize of $100,000. Rigoberto González is this year's distinguished recipient, praised for his vast body of work, which spans 17 books across various genres including poetry, criticism, memoir, and children's literature. His poetry, described as "sumptuous and rich in its curiosities and carnalities" by Poetry magazine editor Adrian Matejka, reflects profound depth and humanity.

Born in Bakersfield, California, and raised in Michoacán, Mexico, González’s journey is deeply intertwined with rich cultural narratives. He pursued his education at the University of California, Riverside, and earned graduate degrees from University of California, Davis and Arizona State University. His influence extends beyond his writings; as a former critic for the LA Times and series editor for the Camino del Sol Latinx Literary Series, he inspires emerging writers and advocates for the transformative power of literature.

Amy Stolls: Advancing the Literary Arts

The Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry is a recognition of exceptional commitment and contributions to the literary world through various pathways such as advocacy, education, and publishing. Amy Stolls is the recipient of this accolade for her illustrious 26-year service at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Stolls has championed numerous projects, helping cultivate a vibrant literary culture across the nation.

Since joining the NEA's Literature Office in 1998, she has overseen critical initiatives including the NEA Creative Writing Fellowships, Poetry Out Loud, and the National Book Festival. Prior to her tenure at the NEA, Stolls was an educator and an environmental journalist. She is the author of two novels which further exemplify her dedication to the literary craft.

Kazim Ali: Celebrating Critical Engagement with Poetry

The Pegasus Award for Poetry Criticism, which comes with a cash prize of $10,000, honors a standout critical work published in the previous calendar year. Kazim Ali's book, Black Buffalo Woman: An Introduction to the Poetry and Poetics of Lucille Clifton, is recognized for its in-depth analysis of Clifton’s influential poetic voice. Ali welcomes readers into Clifton's rich landscape with clarity and insight, showcasing her profound legacy through meticulous research and engaging narrative.

Ali, a poet and educator, holds a prominent position in the literary community with six poetry collections and several critically acclaimed prose works under his belt. His commitment to broadening the understanding of poetry is evident in his role as a professor at the University of California, San Diego, where he cultivates new generations of writers.

The 2025 Pegasus Awards Ceremony

The awarded individuals will be celebrated during the Pegasus Awards ceremony in Chicago scheduled for October 2025. Furthermore, they will participate in a public reading event on October 24, 2025, hosted by the Poetry Foundation, showcasing their works and further engaging with the community.

Michelle T. Boone, the president and CEO of the Poetry Foundation, expressed pride in honoring the talents of González, Stolls, and Ali, noting their significant influence in uplifting poetry and enriching lives through their artistic and critical contributions. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to writers and poetry lovers alike, affirming the enduring power of words to foster imagination and connection.

About the Poetry Foundation

The Poetry Foundation is devoted to championing the power of poetry as a transformative force in society. By providing resources and creating platforms for poets and poetry enthusiasts, it fosters an environment conducive to creativity, expression, and the appreciation of verse. For ongoing updates, follow the Poetry Foundation across its social media channels and engage with conversations around poetry.