News Summary
Spartanburg freelance journalist Latria Graham has won the $100,000 American Mosaic Journalism Prize for her impactful work in social justice and culture. Announced on February 11, 2025, this award highlights her dedication to the stories of underserved communities, particularly Black experiences. With roots in a farming family and a career that has soared from local publications to major national outlets, Latria is also an assistant professor inspiring future writers. The award will aid her plans for mentoring and publishing a memoir.
Spartanburg’s Own Latria Graham Shines Bright with American Mosaic Journalism Prize
Big things are happening in Spartanburg! Local freelance journalist _Latria Graham_ has snagged a whopping _$100,000_ American Mosaic Journalism Award, making headlines for her incredible work on social justice, sports, and Southern culture. Announced by the Heising-Simons Foundation on February 11, 2025, this prize stands as one of the largest in American journalism, and it’s clear why Latria was chosen. Her stories resonate deeply and reflect the heart and soul of our communities.
A Journey Rooted in Southern Heritage
Latria comes from a long line of local farmers—she’s part of a _fifth-generation_ farming family right here in Spartanburg. Growing up, she was surrounded by stories that painted a vivid picture of Southern life. This upbringing ignited her passion for storytelling, despite her initial fears about pursuing writing as a career. After all, who makes a living telling stories?
She graduated from the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities with a focus on clarinet. But her love for the written word triumphed as she moved on to Dartmouth College, eventually deciding at the age of 30 to dive headfirst into the world of freelance writing. This decision has clearly paid off!
From Spartanburg to National Recognition
Latria started small, contributing articles to local publications like Spartanburg Magazine. Her talent has since put her in the big leagues, with pieces published in major outlets such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The Atlantic. She even worked alongside some renowned names like Tom Wolfe and Christopher Gray at the New York Society Library. It’s no surprise that she has earned the title of a three-time _Best American Sportswriter_.
Her award-winning journalism digs deep into stories of underserved communities, particularly highlighting the narratives and experiences of Black individuals. Some of her notable works include an insightful look at the _Black caddies_ of Augusta National and essays addressing the exclusion of Black Americans from outdoor experiences. These topics aren’t easy to tackle; they’ve led her to face backlash and even death threats. Yet, through it all, she remains committed to her craft, believing in the power of storytelling to shed light on challenging societal issues.
Teaching and Inspiring Future Generations
Not only is Latria a writing powerhouse, but she also shares her knowledge as an assistant professor of creative writing at Augusta University. Her teaching role allows her to shape the minds of aspiring writers in the University of Georgia’s Narrative Nonfiction MFA program. It’s clear she’s invested in her students and her community, using her platform to encourage others to tell their stories, just as she has.
Plans for the Future
The award money will play a significant role in Latria’s plans moving forward. She wants to secure her financial future, mentor budding journalists, and give back to the community that has shaped her. Alongside these goals, she is preparing to publish a memoir titled _”Uneven Ground: A Memoir of a Family, a Land, and a Culture in Peril”_, set to be released in 2026. This memoir will center on her family’s rich heritage and the efforts to preserve their century-old farm.
As if that isn’t enough, Graham plans to track the Lewis and Clark expedition to create stories that contribute to understanding America’s narrative. That’s a project we can’t wait to hear more about!
A Legacy in the Making
Latria Graham’s commitment to her craft, her community, and her roots in Spartanburg shines brightly as she carves out a legacy in journalism. The American Mosaic Journalism Award is just the beginning for this talented storyteller. With her eyes set on the future and her passion for storytelling unwavering, we are excited to see what comes next for Latria and the stories she’ll tell that ensure every voice is heard.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Black History Month Historical Markers
- Wikipedia: Black History Month
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Black History Monument
- Google Search: Spartanburg Black History Monument
- Fox Carolina: Dean Street School and Black History
- Google Scholar: Dean Street School Black History
- Duke Energy: Black History Month Grants
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black History Month
- Post and Courier: Historic Black Neighborhoods in Spartanburg
- Google News: Historic Black Neighborhoods Spartanburg
