The Pulitzer Prize has a neat little backstory. It was established in 1917 after the death of Hungarian-American journalist and publisher, Joseph Pulitzer, who was in love with American culture and journalism. Known as the fierce antidote to the corrupt government the prize was meant to “advance the encouragement of public service, public morals, American literature, and the advancement of education.” Even now their dedication to generally honoring the undercurrents of literature over popular works still causes debate.
.@ColumbiaSOA Dean Carol Becker poses with 2017 @PulitzerPrize-winning Columbia faculty members @Lynnbrooklyn & Hilton Als pic.twitter.com/mo5fIeYOmR
— Columbia University (@Columbia) May 22, 2017
This year, Hilton Als won the Pulitzer in criticism. Described by some as a ‘cultural force’, we know he and Joseph Pulitzer would’ve been good friends. Als is known for his discussions on the intersection of art, race, sexuality, and class in America, helping us understand ourselves through the art we create.
⠀⠀
Go peep his piece Dreamgirl which talks about theater productions that obliterate race-related tropes.
