Lambda Literary is pleased to announce Allen R. Wells as the winner of the Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ Fiction!
The prize is offered in memory of the celebrated author Randall Kenan and annually recognizes a Black LGBTQ writer whose fiction explores themes of Black LGBTQ life, culture, and/or history. To be eligible, the winner of the prize must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking work. The award includes a cash prize of $3,000.
This award was founded by sponsors Cedric Brown, Darnell Moore, Dr. L. Lamar Wilson, and Steven Petrow and is currently supported by Cedric Brown and Steven Petrow and Julie Petrow-Cohen Family Fund of Triangle Community Foundation.
Allen R. Wells
Allen R. Wells is an accomplished author, engineer, and advocate for inclusion and representation in children’s literature. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Allen discovered his passion for storytelling at a young age. This early spark fueled a lifelong journey to create impactful stories that empower young readers.
A graduate of Tennessee State University, Allen holds a degree in Architectural Engineering and has built a successful career as a mechanical design engineer specializing in building systems. He balances his engineering profession with his passion for writing, merging creativity and logic in every aspect of his work.
Allen’s literary focus is on creating safe, imaginative spaces for children and young adults. His books celebrate diversity, foster empathy, and inspire readers to embrace their uniqueness. Some of his notable works include, It’s Pride, Baby!, Danté Plays His Blues, and Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark.
His writing sample left me smiling the entire time I read it and I wish books like these could be spread across communities to help children navigate this fact of life.
A Word from Allen R. Wells
Thank you to the judges for recognizing stories that reflect the diversity of lived experiences and the beauty of where we come from—especially my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi.
For me, it’s not only a joy but also a responsibility—as an author and as a decent human being—to tell stories that recognize who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we hope to go. Stories that let children see themselves and know they are worthy of love, joy, and possibility. Stories that also hold space for queer history and queer heroes, so future generations can understand that we’ve always been here, shaping culture, community, and imagination.
To my family, friends, educators, booksellers, and publishing professionals who helped shape my writing and upbringing—you continue to inspire me. You don’t just share books—you fight for them, advocate for them, and make sure young readers have access to stories that reflect their lives and expand their worlds. Your dedication serves as a reminder that community is the foundation on which all art flourishes, and without that foundation, none of our stories can take hold.
I accept this prize not only for myself but for every young Black queer reader and writer who dreams of a world big enough to hold their truth. May we keep telling stories that remind us our voices are necessary, our histories sacred, and our futures limitless.
And to quote Former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden: “Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don’t realize what is at stake when that is endangered.”
I really hope that we keep building libraries of the spirit, the page, and the heart that make us all free.
