Essay 2021

Gold

Texas Highways, “The Desert Reclaims Everything” by Roberto José Andrade Franco

In this stirring, heartfelt tribute to the borderland between Texas and Mexico–El Paso on one side of the Rio Grande, Juarez on the other–a native son tells what it was like to grow up there and why he felt compelled to leave.

 Silver

 
Arizona Highways, “Breathing Space” by Craig Childs

Beautiful visuals and interesting portrait of a stunning part of the country.

Bronze

Adirondack Life, “My Adirondack Life” by Alice Paden Green

Very moving essay about pain and perseverance in a part of the country that one rarely thinks of as having Black residents.