The Alabama Writers' Forum is being commended for its significant literary contributions to the state of Alabama through a resolution. Founded in 1993 by poet Jeanie Thompson and mentored by the Alabama State Council on the Arts, the Forum has established itself as a key nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering Alabama's literary culture. It runs several programs, including Writing Our Stories for justice-involved youth, the Alabama High School Literary Arts Awards, and supports the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame in partnership with the Alabama Center for the Book. The Forum's website offers a wealth of literary news, reviews, resources, and event information, and its online Alabama Authors Directory provides details about local writers and their work.
The resolution acknowledges the Forum's extensive network of state and national partnerships that help support and promote writers and reading across Alabama. Funded by various organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and LitNet, the Forum has been instrumental in the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame, which honors writers with national and international literary reputations, including notable figures like E.O. Wilson, Fannie Flagg, and Harper Lee. The Legislature of Alabama, with both houses concurring, offers this resolution to honor the Alabama Writers' Forum, expressing deep appreciation for its achievements and extending best wishes for its future endeavors.