Joy Harjo Honored with Kettering Foundation's Ruth Yellowhawk Fellowship

Joy Harjo Honored as the 2025 Ruth Yellowhawk Fellow

The Charles F. Kettering Foundation has announced the award of the prestigious Ruth Yellowhawk Fellowship to Joy Harjo, an acclaimed poet, performer, and influential writer from the Muscogee Nation. Known for her profound impact on literature and advocacy for democratic rights, Harjo's appointment marks a significant moment in the realm of arts and social activism.

Harjo, who holds the distinction of serving three terms as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States, is also recognized as the inaugural artist-in-residence of the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa. Her extensive body of work includes ten celebrated poetry collections, with her latest release titled Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light. Besides her poetry, she has authored plays, prose collections, children's books, and memoirs, notably Crazy Brave and Poet Warrior. In addition, she has produced seven award-winning music albums and edited several anthologies throughout her career.

The Ruth Yellowhawk Fellowship, named after the late Ruth Yellowhawk, who was a community-oriented journalist and storyteller, aims to honor Native American and Indigenous practitioners. This fellowship recognizes those whose endeavors emphasize human and democratic rights, reflecting the values emblematic of Yellowhawk's life and work. Joy Harjo joins a select group of distinguished fellows from diverse backgrounds in government, academia, journalism, and civil society, all known for their dedication to democratic principles and integrity.

Upon receiving the fellowship, Harjo expressed her honor at continuing the legacy of social awareness that Ruth Yellowhawk embodied. “This fellowship allows me to extend my community work while collaborating with the Kettering Foundation,” said Harjo. She perceives her artistic efforts—spanning poetry, music, and writing—as essential components of community engagement. Harjo, a proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is committed to working from her reservation, drawing on the traditions of her people. She cites the Mvskoke councils as some of the longest-standing democratic institutions globally.

Sharon L. Davies, president and CEO of the Kettering Foundation, commented on the significance of Harjo’s award, stating, “Kettering is delighted to recognize Joy Harjo as its 2025 Yellowhawk Fellow. Her works utilize the arts to encourage deeper thought about our individual roles in advancing social justice.” The foundation's overarching mission is to bolster inclusive democracies, and it seeks to inspire active citizenship, government accountability, and a stand against authoritarianism.

Founded in 1927, the Kettering Foundation, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, is committed to research that aims to benefit humanity while maintaining a nonpartisan stance. Its initiatives have explored the needs of democracy worldwide for more than four decades. By awarding the Ruth Yellowhawk Fellowship to Joy Harjo, the foundation highlights the critical interplay between the arts and democratic values.

In conclusion, Joy Harjo's appointment as the Ruth Yellowhawk Fellow not only celebrates her exceptional contributions to literature and the arts but also reinforces the vital role of creatives in advocating for societal change. Her dedicated work aligns seamlessly with the foundation's commitment to improving inclusive democracies, making her a fitting recipient of this honor.