African-American Professor at Carnegie Mellon University Wins National Book Award

Terrance Hayes, professor of English at Carnegie Mellon University, won the National Book Award in the poetry category for his collection entitled Lighthead.

Lighthead is Professor Hayes’ fourth book of poetry. His previous work, Wind in a Box, was named one of the best 100 books of the year by Publishers Weekly. An earlier work, Hip Logic, was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Award.

Hayes is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina, and a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Pittsburgh. In recognition of the National Book Award, this past Tuesday was designated as "Terrance Hayes Day" in the city of Pittsburgh.

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