UR Liberal Arts Professor Erik Nielson Awarded Library of Virginia Literary Award

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Erik Nielson, associate professor of liberal arts in the University of Richmond’s School of Professional & Continuing Studies, has been awarded a 2020 Literary Award by the Library of Virginia.

The Library of Virginia Literary Awards are given annually to outstanding Virginia authors in the areas of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

Nielson and co-author Andrea Dennis were announced as the nonfiction literary award winners for their book, Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America at the 23rd Annual Library of Virginia Awards Celebration, which was held virtually on Saturday, October 17. 

Nielson has taught at the University of Richmond since 2011 and researches hip hop culture and African American literature. His expertise centers on the intersection of rap music and the law. Rap on Trial is an in-depth look at the misuse of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials.

Nielson and Dennis were selected by an independent panel of judges from more than 130 books nominated for the awards. As award winners, they received an engraved crystal book and a monetary prize of $2,500. 

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