Save the Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024

The Harold Washington Literary Award recognizes diverse and stimulating authors who address issues of contemporary life. Each year since 1989 we have hosted a literary gala to bestow this prestigious award. Our 2023 honoree was Isabel Wilkerson. Past winners have included Natasha Trethewey, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Rabih Alameddine, Rita Dove, Barbara Ehrenreich, and Scott Turow. The HWLA is the official kick-off to the annual Printers Row Lit Fest.

Complete List of HWLA Winners

Isabel Wilkerson (2023)
Natasha Tretheway (2022)
Ta-Nehisi Coates (2021)
Alex Kotlowitz (2019)
Rabih Alameddine (2018)
Rita Dove (2017)
Marilynne Robinson (2016)
Edward P. Jones (2015)
Stuart Dybek (2014)
Art Spiegelman (2013)
Sara Paretsky (2012)
Edwidge Danticat (2011)
Barbara Ehrenreich (2010)
Dave Eggers (2009)
Scott Turow (2008)
Walter Mosley (2007)
E.L. Doctorow (2006)
Garrison Keillor (2005)
Jules Feiffer (2004)
Margaret Atwood (2003)
Grace Paley (2002)
August Wilson (2001)
John Hope Franklin (2000)
Robert Pinsky (1999)
Joseph Epstein (1998)
Cynthia Ozick (1997)
Isabel Allende (1996)
Doris Kearns Goodwin (1995)
Zbigniew Brzezinski (1994)
Garry Wills (1993)
Ralph Ellison (1992)
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (1991)
Saul Bellow, Ray Bradbury, Gwendolyn Brooks, Cyrus Colter, William
Maxwell, Studs Terkel (1990)
Susan Sontag (1989)

The gala is also our major annual fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting our Authors in the Schools program.

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Event and activity sponsors, other supporters, and volunteers are always welcome! Please contact us if you’d like to get more involved.

It’s never too early to purchase a table or individual ticket. Thank you in advance for your support!

Harold Washington Literary Award Dinner

Scenes from our 2023 Dinner…

2023 MAJOR SPONSORS

draper
Associated Bank
Antunovich Associates
hinsdale bank
Huntington
McCormick Place
oneil
W.E. O'Neil Sponsor
Wintrust

Check Out Our Other Great Events!

Quarterly Programs - NSPB
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Field Bistro
Motor Row
Community Engagement Meetings - NSPB