Cave Canem

Launched in 1999 with Rita Dove’s selection of Natasha Trethewey’s Domestic Work, this first-book award is dedicated to the discovery of exceptional manuscripts by Black poets of African descent.

All unpublished, original collections of poems written in English by Black poets who have not had a full-length book of poetry published by a professional press. Cave Canem defines Black poets as any poet who identifies as a member of the African Diaspora.

Black authors of chapbooks and self-published books with a maximum print run of 500 copies are also eligible to apply.

Cave Canem Poetry Prize

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