John Wesley Work III Award

About this program

The American Folklore Society’s African American Folklore Section offers the annual John Wesley Work III Award to recognize and support research, documentation, preservation, and transmission of African American traditional culture. The recipient receives $500 toward participation in the AFS Annual Meeting, opportunities to present and promote their work, and consultation with a Library of Congress specialist or other subject expert.

Applicants may be academics, community or independent scholars, professionals, or performer-scholars, and AFS membership is not required; submissions should demonstrate active engagement with African American folklife through media such as recordings, writing, performance, podcasts, or video. Applications must include a 500–1,000-word essay, CV or résumé, and contact information for two professional references, and are due July 15.