Hazel V. Carby, the Charles C. and Dorathea S. Dilley Professor of African American Studies and American Studies at Yale University, has been named the 2014 recipient of the Jay B. Hubbell Medal for Lifetime Achievement in American Literary Studies. The award is sponsored by the American Literature Section of the Modern Language Association, and honorees are selected by a committee of five eminent scholars who recognize the nominee’s exceptional scholarship and professional service to American literary studies.
The Hubbell Medal, which has been awarded since 1964, is named for the founding editor of American Literature. Jay B. Hubbell, a long-time professor at Duke University, was one of the pioneers of American literary scholarship. Hubbell championed American authors as objects of serious attention at a time when academic studies of literature focused more extensively on English authors. The honor named for him has been awarded to some of the most distinguished practitioners of the discipline he helped create.
Carby will receive the medal during an awards ceremony at the Modern Language Association conference on Friday, January 9, 2015 in Vancouver.