Writers to be enshrined in Chicago Literary Hall of Fame

October 6, 5:46 AMChicago Literary Scene ExaminerRobert Duffer

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This is overdue. The non-profit Chicago Writers Association has launched The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame and really, Donald Evans (author of Good Money After Bad and CWA member) puts it best: "Chicago is not a city that can be crisply explained, neatly categorized, or easily understood. Yet through our literature we strive to define our place in the world. Our literature speaks to our city’s diversity, character and heart. In our literature can be found all we love and hate, frozen snapshots of our vast terrain over the years, commentary on our ever-changing culture. In our literature can be found who we are and what we do and where we do it. The value and character of our city is not only reflected in but shaped by our great books."

The Hall of Fame project has been over a year in the works. Evans culled 6 ballots each from 16 nominators, who range from Chicago publishers and university department heads to writers and bloggers. (Disclosure: I'm flattered to be included in such esteemed company. This would've been news regardless of my involvement.) The nominees for the 2010 inaugural class include the obvious, such as Nelson Algren, Saul Bellow and Gwendolyn Brooks, to people whose contributions to Chicago exceed their writing, such as Jane Adams and Ida B. Wells. Of the twenty-seven writers nominated, all whose contributions to Chicago's literary tradition have been immortalized by their death, six will be enshrined later this year. The 2010 Selection committee consists of Rosellen Brown, Stuart Dybek, Haki R. Madhubuti (formerly Don L. Lee), Achy Obejas, and William Savage.

With such a vast field to pick from, and who to do the picking, there are bound to be names missing. Evans assures us that the Hall is a work in progress, a dynamic exhibit that will grow and change with the times. The mission, according to Evans and CWA President Randy Richardson  (Lost in the Ivy) is "to promote and celebrate Chicago's rich and proud literature tradition by honoring the authors whose words have best captured the essence of our city."

The Hall is an endeavor to be proud of as well and its success is dependent on the input and reaction of every reader and appreciator of Chicago literature. Who'd you vote for?