If you need a break from the craziness and deafness that is Bearstock, make sure to head over to the University Center at one in the afternoon (preferably changing out of your sweaty rock show clothes for something a bit more serious) to see the annual presentation of the Sidney Lanier Prize for Southern Literature. This award recognizes the incredible contributions made to Southern literature, be it through fiction, poetry, or theater. This year’s winner is Elizabeth Spencer, the ninety-three old author of nine novels, seven short-story collections, a memoir, and a play. Her work has garnered several awards and honors, including being the recipient of the O. Henry Award for Short Fictions for five different years.
Dr. David Davis, professor of English in Southern Literature and chair of the Lanier Prize Committee, made the final selection for Spencer this year, lauding her work and her devotion to highlighting the myriad of issues that still plague the South. Other notable winners of this prize include Ernest Gaines, renowned author of A Lesson Before Dying, and Lee Smith, author of numerous novels and short fiction. This prestigious award stems from a Macon poet during the 1800’s named Sidney Lanier, writer and musician, whose work even during the 19th century explored issues of race and injustice within the South. His legacy inspired the prize, and all people who have won have dealt with the troubled history of the South or tackled the issues that are still around to this day.
Elizabeth Spencer was born on July 19, 1921, studying and earning her degrees in many different Southern states, receiving her Bachelor of Arts at Belhaven College, in Jackson, Mississippi, and her masters in literature at Vanderbilt. After teaching college and working in newspapers, she won a Guggenheim Fellowship, allowing her to travel the world and take on writing as a career. While in Italy, she met her husband, John Rusher, whom she married and lived in Canada for a time. Spencer continued to teach, colleges including Montreal’s Concordia University and the University of North Carolina, until she retired. Her husband died in 1998, but she continues to live in Chapel Hill, writing novels and poetry.
Spencer is a prolific writer, her nine novels a testament to both her literary and creative talents, and her obligation to exploring the chaotic and violent nature of the South. She challenges time and again the hatred and ugliness that has pervaded Southern society, the racism and fear that drove barriers between people. Her work is inspiring but unflinching; she does not hold back from the bad in order to pursue the good. With such considerable talent, it is no surprise that Mercer has selected her for this honor. The Lanier Prize Committee will be holding the presentation of the award on Saturday, April 12th, at one o’clock in the President’s Dining Room in the University Center. When you’ve had your fill of rock music (or techno, as the lineup appears to be), be sure to head over to recognize the achievements of an incredibly talented writer.