Three African Americans Receive ‘Genius’ MacArthur Fellowship Awards

(Photo of Carrie Mae Weems, one of the awardees)

Frost Illustrated reports that:

Three African Americans are among the recipients of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation fellowships for 2013—an award that recognizes those who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement and potential in their creative pursuits.
Kyle Abraham, Tarell McCraney and Carrie Mae Weems were among the 24 individuals who each will receive the $625,000 monetary award, which they can use to invest in their artistic visions in any manner they choose.

“This year’s class of MacArthur Fellows is an extraordinary group of individuals who collectively reflect the breadth and depth of American creativity,” said Cecilia Conrad, vice president, MacArthur Fellows Program, in a statement. “They are artists, social innovators, scientists, and humanists who are working to improve the human condition and to preserve and sustain our natural and cultural heritage. Their stories should inspire each of us to consider our own potential to contribute our talents for the betterment of humankind.”

Abraham, McCraney and Weems, in particular, were celebrated for their unique expressions of the African American experience.

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