Professor Latria Graham wins prestigious journalism prize for storytelling on Southern culture

By Spencer Smith | Staff writer

On Feb. 10, 2025, the Heising-Simons Foundation announced the winners of its American Mosaic Journalism Prize, a prestigious honor that includes a $100,000 cash award. Among the recipients was Augusta University’s Professor Latria Graham, an assistant professor in the Department of English and World Languages within the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Graham, a widely published journalist and columnist, has contributed to major publications such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and The Guardian. She also writes a regular column for Garden & Gun magazine.

Raised in a small South Carolina town with Appalachian roots, Graham uses her work to challenge assumptions, dismantle stereotypes, and highlight underrepresented narratives in Southern culture.

“Because when I was in college, you know, I said, ‘Oh, I'm from South Carolina,’ and if they knew anywhere, they knew Charleston—maybe because that's where the Civil War started—or they knew Myrtle Beach, right?” Graham said. “I'm from neither one of those places. I'm four hours away.”

One of Graham’s award-winning stories, “Masters of the Green: The Black Caddies of Augusta National,” published in Garden & Gun, explores the overlooked legacy of the all-Black caddie corps at Augusta National Golf Club. The piece focuses not only on their expertise, but also their connection to the land and its history.

“I also had this major secret I couldn’t tell anyone. I couldn’t even tell my mom,” Graham said, reflecting on the moment she learned she had received the award.

Dr. Kim Davies, dean of the Pamplin College, said the recognition was a proud moment for the university.

“The fact that Professor Latria Graham has been recognized with the Heising-Simons Foundation’s American Mosaic Journalism Prize is a great honor not only for Professor Graham, but also for Augusta University and, particularly, the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences,” Davies said.

Graham believes her ongoing work in journalism strengthens her teaching in the classroom.

“My students get to see me in real time,” she said. “They get to see what it means to tell a story, chase an idea and deal with the real world. I hope my stories help foster curiosity and help them connect to the world through writing.”

Davies echoed that sentiment, praising Graham’s impact on students and colleagues alike.

“Professor Graham has been a great addition to Pamplin College, where we have many faculty who care deeply about both their teaching and research,” Davies said. “Her colleagues find her thoughtful, collegial and supportive. Students are moved by her—some have even shared in evaluations that she has sparked their passion for writing.”

In addition to her work on Southern life, Graham also travels extensively for her stories. She recalled one memorable assignment that took her to the Dry Tortugas, a remote archipelago in Florida.

“It’s basically a deserted island,” she said. “You have to take a boat, and there’s no cell service. If something happens or you need help, you’re just stuck until the boat comes back in a couple of days.”

The experience, originally meant to be a travel piece, evolved into something deeper.

“It became a travel story about grief, about stargazing, and about my dad,” she said. “It took on a more personal element for Travel + Leisure.”

Through her storytelling, both personal and historical, Graham continues to shine a light on the overlooked corners of American life—always with the same passion that drives her as both a journalist and educator.

Note: Top of the screen photo courtesy of Morgan Hayes as a special for the Bell Ringer.

Contact Spencer Smith at csmith82@augusta.edu.