CRRES Faculty Affiliate, Poet, and Professor Dr. Ross Gay wins the prestigious PEN American Literary - Jean Stein Award for his book “Be Holding: A Poem.” The book was selected in recognition for “... its originality, merit and impact which has broken new ground by reshaping the boundaries of its form and signaling strong potential for lasting influence” by the Award Judges Tommy Orange, Fred Moten, and Vievee Francis. “Be Holding: A Poem” focuses on basketball legend Julius Erving and the theme of imagination, drawing linkages to the Igbo people of western Africa, the slave trade’s Middle Passage, photography, pick-up basketball, music, state violence and familial love. This book is part of a larger collection from the University of Pittsburgh Press’ Pitt Poetry Series. The PEN American Literary - Jean Stein Award is sponsored by PEN America, a literary and human rights organization.

Congratulations Ross!