Georgia Writers Hall Of Fame Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary In Honor Of The State’s Literary Legends

Southerners take great pride in their story-telling; a tradition enriched by the combined heritage of all of those who have lived in this region. To honor Georgia’s rich literary tradition, The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame was established, and this year marks its 20^th anniversary.

“City Lights” host Lois Reitzes was joined via Zoom by University of Georgia Librarian Toby Graham, distinguished author and professor Ralph Eubanks, and the Oscar and Tony award-winning playwright Alfred Uhry.

The Hall of Fame was established by the University of Georgia in 2000 to honor the talented writers, playwrights, lyricists, and literacy legends in the state.

“People like Alfred Uhry, Alice Walker, Pat Conroy, Natasha Trethewey, Flannery O’ Connor, even people like songwriter Johnny Mercer and many others,” Graham said. “Over the years, we have inducted almost 70 Georgia writers that you can learn more about on our website.”

Uhry was inducted into the hall in 2014, but he was honored at the 20th anniversary ceremony earlier this month.

“There was a plaque in my induction and it says, ‘Honoring Georgia’s Literacy Legacy’ and there’s my picture and a picture of Margaret Mitchell and a picture of Martin Luther King Jr,” Uhry said. “That’s pretty intimidating. It’s a very high honor and I treasure it greatly.”

He has written many popular plays such as “Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” and “Parade,” which focus on Jewish life and relationships in Atlanta.

The Georgia Writers Hall of Fame virtual ceremony is available online here. At the ceremony, Professor Eubanks gave a virtual lecture entitled, “Georgia’s Literary Past and the Future of Southern Letters.”