2024 AWARD RECIPIENT

Rita Lorraine Hubbard

Photos by Joseph Schlabs

“In elementary school, as I watched leaves gracefully falling from the trees, a story began to form in my mind. A single leaf, carried away by the wind from its mother tree, whispered a message of bravery to all who would listen, uncertain if they would ever reunite. At that moment, I knew I was destined to be a writer, as others are born to sing or dance.”

For author Rita Lorraine Hubbard, writing is an art of gathering disparate facts, delving into research for deeper context, and bringing untold stories into vivid life. Each piece she writes, weaves together thoughts that flow naturally onto paper, creating narratives that hopefully ignite conversation and foster a deeper understanding of the events that shape our history. Having spent years as a special education teacher, Hubbard’s compass has always been the children she taught, striving to articulate complex events in ways that resonate with their experiences.

“Writing has been my guiding star, a medium through which I connect with others. As a teacher to children with diverse interests and vocabularies, I found books that reflected their identities and struggles, helping them realize they were not alone in their challenges.” 

Her journey as a writer took flight when she discovered her first Chattanooga story—a moment she likens to growing wings. Throughout her career, that feeling has remained constant. While many books celebrate widely known heroes like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King, Jr., Hubbard felt compelled to shine a light on local heroes whose contributions were lesser known but equally impactful. One such story, 'Hammering for Freedom,' captured her heart. It tells of William 'Bill' Lewis, an enslaved blacksmith who, through tireless dedication, earned and bought freedom not just for himself, but for his entire family. Lewis’ subconscious message to Hubbard, 'write about me first!', echoes a testament to resilience and determination – she embarked on her quest to tell local stories through children’s literature.

Hubbard has received more than a dozen Children’s literature awards, from the American Library Services to Children - Notable Children's Books 2021, to the School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 2023. 

“Receiving the Ruth Holmberg 2024 Arts Leadership Award is a profound honor—an affirmation that my work has touched lives, brought smiles, and instilled a sense of identity and courage in others. My greatest wish is that those who read my stories or sat in my classroom have gleaned life lessons from the words I've penned. For me, every day is a learning experience, a reminder that it's never too late to begin anew, and that storytelling is a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding.”

As a lifelong learner, Hubbard urges all to embrace their inner storyteller and to continue to craft narratives that resonate and inspire.