Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Book Award
Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Book Award
Submissions for this award will open July 16, 2024.
Apply to join the Award Selection Subcommittee
How to submit a Pauli Murray Book Award Nomination
The Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Book Award, established in 2024, honors exceptional nonfiction trade books that provide insight into experiences and historical events representing diverse gender expressions and gender identities. Murray was a Black, queer, legal and civil rights pioneer and educator, who dedicated their life to ending race- and gender-based discrimination and securing equality for all. Although rarely mentioned by name, evidence of Murray’s work can be found throughout most history curricula. Born to a family of educators, Murray’s entire life was dedicated to curiosity and a better society. Murray challenged segregation laws and policies on public transportation and in higher education, and their work influenced landmark Supreme Court decisions, and the creation of organizations dedicated to women’s rights.
This year the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Committee will recognize books that celebrate Murray’s compassionate spirit based on the following criteria: (1) nonfiction works that allow for author creativity to tell hard stories, (2) demonstrate respect for the worth and importance of individual(s)/group(s) presented, (3) accurately reflect the cultures, experiences, perspectives, and values of individuals and their identities, and (4) written for children or young people. We hope these books enhance your professional libraries and classroom teaching resources. This award has been developed with the support of The Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice in Durham, NC at Murray’s childhood home (National Historic Site 2016).
Creators of the Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray Book Award (2024):
Kristy Brugar, University of Oklahoma, NCSS Book Award Committee
Kathleen Barker, History UnErased, professional learning facilitator
Melissa Collum, Viterbo University, NCSS LGBTQ+ and Allies Community Chair
Sarah M. Segal, Hood River County School District, NCSS Book Award Committee
Basel Touchan, History UnErased, professional learning facilitator
