Margo Jefferson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Margo Jefferson
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Jefferson at the 2015 Texas Book Festival
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| Born | Margo Lillian Jefferson October 17, 1947 |
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| Education | Brandeis University (BA) Columbia University (MS) |
| Period | 1973–present |
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| Notable works | Negroland: A Memoir (2015) |
| Notable awards | Pulitzer Prize for Criticism; National Book Critics Circle Award; Windham-Campbell Literature Prize; Rathbones Folio Prize |
Margo Lillian Jefferson, born on October 17, 1947, is an American writer and teacher. She is also a journalist. She started writing for The New York Times in 1993. In 1995, she won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. This is a very important award for writers. She has also written for other magazines like Vogue and New York Magazine.
Contents
About Margo Jefferson
Margo Jefferson went to Brandeis University for her first degree. She then earned a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. In 1973, she started working at Newsweek magazine. She was an associate editor there until 1978.
Teaching Career
After working at Newsweek, Margo Jefferson became a professor. She taught journalism at New York University for several years. She taught there from 1979 to 1983 and again from 1989 to 1991. Later, she began teaching at the Columbia University School of the Arts. She is now a professor there. She also taught at The New School's Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts.
Journalism Work
Margo Jefferson joined The New York Times in 1993. She first reviewed books for the newspaper. In 1995, she won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. This award recognized her excellent writing and reviews. She also worked as the newspaper's theater critic in 2004. Besides The New York Times, she has written for many other publications. These include Vogue, New York Magazine, and The Nation.
Interest in Jazz Music
Margo Jefferson has a strong interest in jazz music. She appeared in a TV show about jazz history. This show was created by Ken Burns in 2001. It was called Jazz.
Margo Jefferson's Books
Margo Jefferson has written several important books. Her books often explore culture and personal experiences.
On Michael Jackson
In 2006, Margo Jefferson published a book called On Michael Jackson. This book looks at the famous singer Michael Jackson. It explores his impact on culture. One reviewer called it a "slim, smart volume of cultural analysis." The book helps readers understand Michael Jackson's story. It does not try to say if he was innocent or guilty. Instead, it tries to "decipher" or understand him.
Negroland: A Memoir
Her book Negroland: A Memoir came out in 2015. This book is about her own life. It talks about growing up in a specific social class. It explores how her personal life connected with big events. These events include the civil rights movement and feminism. Critics praised the book for being powerful and interesting. It won the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2016. It was also considered for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction.
Constructing a Nervous System
In 2022, Margo Jefferson received the Windham-Campbell Literature Prize. This is a major award for writers. Her book Constructing a Nervous System was published recently. It was a finalist for the ALA 2023 Carnegie Medal. It also won the Rathbones Folio Prize. This shows how important her writing is.
Awards and Recognition
Margo Jefferson has received many awards for her writing. These awards show her impact as a critic and author.
| Year | Title | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
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| 1995 | — | Pulitzer Prize | Criticism | Won | |
| 2016 | Negroland | Baillie Gifford Prize | — | Shortlisted | |
| 2016 | National Book Critics Circle Award | Memoir | Won | ||
| 2022 | — | Windham–Campbell Literature Prize | Non-fiction | Won | |
| 2023 | Constructing a Nervous System | Rathbones Folio Prize | — | Won |
