“My wife, Dianne, and I are very happy to be a part of this exciting project established by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to recognize the best newly published African American writers from across the country.”
– Ernest J. Gaines

The winner of the first annual Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence is Ms. Olympia Vernon for her novel, A Killing In This Town. Ms. Vernon received a $10,000 award and commemorative sculpture created by artist Robert Moreland at the award ceremony January 24, 2008 at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge. . 

Her  novel was selected from 29 entries from across the country by a panel of nationally-known judges.

One of America’s finest writers and teachers of writing, Mr. Gaines has been recognized internationally for his work. The award, initiated by donors of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, is designed to honor Mr. Gaines and inspire new generations of African-American writers as they aspire to the literary heights for which Ernest Gaines is known.

The judges for the inaugural award are Tina McElroy Ansa, Rudolph P. Byrd, John F. Callahan, Elizabeth Nunez and Patricia Towers.