NORMAN, OKLA. – The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is proud to announce Joy Harjo, the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States and a revered member of the Mvskoke Nation, as the recipient of the 2024 Lumine Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lumine Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony is an annual event hosted by Gaylord College honoring exceptional women professionals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the media industry.
Joy Harjo's career journey has been marked by a profound dedication to exploring and articulating the complexities of Indigenous heritage, identity, and spirit. With a career spanning more than five decades, Harjo has published ten groundbreaking books of poetry, including the critically acclaimed "An American Sunrise" and "Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light: Fifty Poems for Fifty Years." Her work extends beyond poetry into memoirs, children's literature, music, and anthologies that celebrate and preserve the richness of Indigenous poetry.
Harjo's contributions to children's literature have been equally impactful, providing young readers with insightful, engaging stories that reflect the complexity of Native cultures. Through her award-winning children's books, such as "The Good Luck Cat" and "For a Girl Becoming," Harjo has introduced important cultural narratives to a new generation, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity and depth of Native experiences.
In addition to her accomplishments in poetry and children's literature, Harjo has also made notable contributions as a playwright. Her play, "Wings of Night Sky, Wings of Morning Light," which she toured as a one-woman show, chronicles the challenges a young woman faces on her path to healing and self-determination.
Harjo's exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by a plethora of awards and honors, including Yale's 2023 Bollingen Prize for American Poetry, the National Book Critics Circle Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize for Lifetime Achievement.
Joy Harjo received the Lumine Lifetime Achievement Award on Feb. 15 at 6 pm in the Gaylord Hall Auditorium.
About the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma is committed to preparing the next generation of media professionals. The college offers five undergraduate majors in advertising, creative media production, journalism, professional writing and public relations, providing students with a diverse and engaging educational experience. In addition to its undergraduate offerings, Gaylord College features graduate and Ph.D. programs, as well as an online master’s degree. These advanced programs are designed to nurture academic excellence, adapt to diverse learning needs and inspire innovative thinking among students. For more information, visit ou.edu/gaylord.
