The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has announced it will honor New Orleans native Cokie Roberts as its Humanist of the Year. Over the past 30 years, the award has been given out annually by the state’s humanities council as part of an effort to recognize the artists, authors and organizations making valuable contributions to the culture of the state.
The LEH’s Brian Boyles says NPR’s senior news analyst and ABC News’ political commentator was a perfect fit for the award.
“With Cokie Roberts, this is a person who has invaluably contributed to our history, to our understanding of women’s issues, and to our coverage of the political culture of this country for the past 40 years. We think that represents what a humanist is,” Boyles said.
Louisiana Tech University English professor Susan Roach will receive the Lifetime Contribution to the Humanities Award through her longtime efforts as a folklorist and author of the Delta Pieces project. Boyles says Roach embodies what this award is about.
“This is someone who has worked tirelessly as a folklorist to bring to light Louisiana’s artistic, musical history, the ritual traditions and occupational lore, our food ways, and continues to work and create new research,” Boyles said.
In all, nine people and companies will be honored, including energy firm BHP Billiton for contributing $540,000 to support the LEH’s PrimeTime preschool reading program. The awards will be presented on April 23 at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge. Tickets are available through the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities website.
