Central Ohio author honored with prestigious award

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A writer born and raised in central Ohio has been recognized internationally for his work of nonfiction.

Writer Hanif Abdurraqib is a recipient of the prestigious Windham-Campbell prize. The Yale-based award honors eight writers from around the world annually.

Dashcam captures dangerous trend resulting in crash at Columbus intersection

Many of the works by the self-taught author and poet center around moments from his life. The life moments collected and documented for all to see, many with a tie to his midwestern city – a city he said if written about in the right way can become relatable to any reader.

“A big benefit to writing about Columbus or putting Columbus in my work is that I’m writing about it with the idea that I am writing about it for a set of people in the city that know the city and love the city,” Abdurraqib said. “Maybe have some of the same concerns and affections about the city that I do.”

The recent Windham-Campbell award not only comes with a $175,000 prize but also international recognition. While his popularity grows for his works like A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance or A Fortune for Your Disaster, Abdurraqib says it expands the number of readers getting a glimpse into his lens.

“I like to think of my corner of the world being very small but to see my work has extended beyond that,” he said. “I am overjoyed.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.