Jacqueline Woodson accepts Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award before a full Stockholm Concert Hall
Earlier tonight at a ceremony in the Stockholm Concert Hall, the American author Jacqueline Woodson received the world’s largest literature Award, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, from H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria. Swedish Minister for Culture and Democracy, Mrs Alice Bah Kuhnke, gave a speech in honour of the laureate.
In her acceptance speech, Jacqueline Woodson emphasized the importance of kindness:
“As I moved through this country this week, again and again, I was reminded that first and foremost, we must remain kind. That kindness – the kindness of family and friends and strangers, has gotten so many of us through hard times.”
The ceremony was hosted by the writer and musician Navid Modiri. During the evening, musical entertainment was provided by Swedish singer Janice who performed the songs You only say you love me in the dark, Queen and Changing accompanied by Johan Landqvist Band. Inspired by Woodson’s books, Kämpinge Gymnastikförening performed an advanced jump-rope act, “Double Dutch” to a soundtrack of 2Pac.
In her congratulatory speech, Swedish Minister of Democracy and Culture Alice Bah Kuhnke said:
"Just like Astrid Lindgren, you stand firm. You don’t abandon your readers – you stay by their side. Not by answering their questions, but by showing them – through your stories – how different life can be. And that it’s ok. Your message is: “You exist. Your thoughts and feelings are real – and that’s ok.”
Apart from the prize sum, 5 million SEK, the laureate received a diploma, presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria and illustrated by Ida Björs and Maja Zetterberg.
About Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson was born in 1963 and lives in Brooklyn. She published her first book in 1990 and has since written more than 30 titles, translated into eleven languages. She writes about turning points in young people’s lives and relationships in a world of prejudice and adversity. Her most celebrated title is the award-winning memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, newly published in Swedish by Natur & Kultur as Brun flicka drömmer, translated by Athena Farrokhzad.
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