Fiction writer Colson Whitehead is known for experimenting with inventive plots that weave American folklore and history into his texts. At 32, Whitehead has penned two well-received novels: his ground-breaking first book, The Intuitionist (1998), which introduces the reader to Lila Mae Johnson, New York City's first Black female elevator inspector; and his second novel, John Henry Days (2001), about the life and myth of folk hero John Henry.
Including this year's class, 635 people, ranging in age from 18 to 82, have been named MacArthur Fellows since the inception of the program in 1981. No one may apply for the fellowship, nor is there an interview process.
To be considered, a person must be nominated by one of several hundred nominators appointed each year. Nominators, who serve anonymously, are chosen across many fields and challenged to identify people who demonstrate exceptional creativity and promise. A 12-member selection committee, whose members also serve anonymously, meets regularly throughout the year to review nominee files, to narrow the list, and to make final recommendations to the foundation's Board of Directors. Typically, between 20 and 30 Fellows are selected each year. For more information visit the MacArthur Foundation Web site at <www.macfound.org>.
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