Kemi Alabi wins First Book Award from US poets academy

Kemi Alabi is the recipient of the First Book Award from the Academy of American Poets. Alabi's 'Against Heaven' is scheduled for publication in Spring 2022. Photo: AP

A Chicago-based writer and activist has received the First Book Award from the Academy of American Poets. Kemi Alabi's Against Heaven is scheduled for publication in Spring 2022.

Alabi, chosen for the honour by the acclaimed poet Claudia Rankine, will receive US$5,000 (RM21,000) and a six-week, all-expenses-paid residency at the Civitella Ranieri Center in Umbria, Italy. The academy will also purchase and distribute thousands of copies of Against Heaven.