The Wadadli Pen prize returned in 2010 as part of a series of Black History Month activities (with the theme ‘Black and Beautiful’). For the first time, it also included an art component and a breakdown of winners by additional age categories; also the age limit was pushed from 18 to 35. Additionally, whereas the literary competition had previously accepted entries only in the fiction writing category, it opened up to other genres in 2010.
*In adddition to the prizes listed, several winners received a Ladybird bag from the Best of Books, and all winning artists had their pieces displayed both at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda (during the Black History Month visual arts exhibition) and at the Art Loft where they also attracted buyer interest.
Literary Arts Winners:
Best Writer in the 12 and under age category:
Terrikia Benjamin – 12 – AGHS – Title: Happy to be Black
Prize Package:
- EC $50 (gift certificate) – Cedric Holder for the Cushion Club
- EC $100 from D. Gisele Isaac
Best Writer in the 13 to 17 age category:
Shakeema Edwards – 16 – AGHS – Title: Skin Deep
Prize Package:
- Books – a copy of Ladies of the Night by Althea Prince (courtesy Althea Prince); and, courtesy Best of Books, The Festival of San Joaquin by Zee Edgell and Marlon James’ John Crow’s Devil
- EC $200 from D. Gisele Isaac
Best Writer in the 18 to 35 age category:
Hilesha S. Humphreys – Black and Beautiful
Prize Package:
- Book – a copy of Being Black – Althea Prince
- EC $200 from D. Gisele Isaac
- EC $100 gift certificate – The Best of Books
*No overall winner was selected and as such no name was added to the challenge trophy sponsored by the Best of Books.
Best Artist in the 12 and under age category:
Déjà Phillip – 11 – Foundation Mixed School
Prize Package:
- Gift certificate for two hour art tutorial with Jane Seagull and a copy of the Debbie Eckert print ‘Fatawi’s Birthday Balloon’ – courtesy these artists and the Art Loft
- EC $100 gift certificate – The Best of Books
- EC $100 from Raeburn Generator Services
Best Artist in the 13 to 17 age category:
Ashley Clendenen's winning entry quickly attracted buyer interest when on show at the Art Loft
Ashley Clendenen – 17 – Antigua State College – Title: Pride
Prize Package:
- Gift certificate for art tutorial and a print of ‘Daria’s Friend’ both from Debbie Eckert of the Art Loft
- EC $200 from Raeburn Generator Services
Best artist in the 18 to 35 age category:
Akeem Barry – 18 – Antigua State College
Prize Package:
- EC $100 gift certificate – Stephen B. Shoul’s
- EC $200 from Raeburn Generator Services
Overall winner in the visual arts category:
Shem Alexander – 17 – ASC
Prize Package:
- EC $250 gift certificate – Harper’s
- EC $500 cheque – Daily Observer
- Gift from Jeweler’s Warehouse (value US$135)
Shem Alexander collects his gifts from Museum director Michelle Henry.
Wadadli Pen 