JANS – Jackson State University’s Ebony Lumumba, Ph.D., chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages, has been named a 2025 Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) HBCU Faculty Fellow. This distinguished recognition highlights Lumumba’s exceptional contributions to creative writing and her dedication to promoting literary excellence within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The AWP HBCU Faculty Fellowship is designed to support and amplify the efforts of HBCU faculty building and enhancing creative writing programs at their respective institutions. Lumumba’s work at Jackson State is a testament to this mission.
She has co-created the department’s creative writing program, which includes a minor and concentration, and has successfully garnered over $100,000 in donations of support. Additionally, she has launched the department’s writer’s series with the support of colleagues and community partners, bringing acclaimed authors like Imani Perry, Ibram X. Kendi, Crystal Wilkinson, Jamila Minnicks, and Michelle Duster to campus.
“It’s a tremendous honor to have been selected. Black writers and Black schools deserve this support and attention. Some of the most brilliant stories of our time were crafted by minds educated at HBCUs. I am elated that I get to work with the new vanguard of our field and support their writing journeys,” said Lumumba, who is also an associate professor of English.
At Jackson State, Lumumba has led several initiatives to promote literature and the arts. She has implemented a Film and Visual Culture Series for the Department of English and Modern Languages, which kicked off with the screening of “Emmett Till: White Lies Black Death” and featured a talkback with filmmaker Loki Mulholland and investigative journalist Jerry Mitchell. The series is set to continue with a screening of “Below the Belt” in March 2025, followed by discussions with the filmmaker and other community representatives and activists.
Lumumba also spearheaded a department partnership with the Mississippi Book Festival, Lemuria Books, and Visit Jackson to host Emmy-winning host Tabitha Brown’s book event in Jackson, resulting in sold-out attendance.
Lumumba’s academic achievements are equally distinguished. She holds a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Mississippi, a Master of Arts in English from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Spelman College.
