Margaret Edds's What the Eyes Can't See Wins the 2023 Virginia Literary Award in Nonfiction

October 25, 2023 | by scpress

The Library of Virginia announced the winners of the 26th Annual Virginia Literary Awards during a celebration held on October 14. Margaret Edds's What the Eyes Can’t See: Ralph Northam, Black Resolve, and a Racial Reckoning in Virginia was awarded the 2023 Virginia Literary Award in Nonfiction.

In What the Eyes Can’t See, former journalist Margaret Edds details why Virginia Governor Ralph Northam survived his "blackface scandal," and how it made him a better governor—and a better doctor and citizen. With unprecedented access to the governor, his aides, and members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Edds presents a revealing examination of race in the nation, how racism might be addressed and reckoned with, and how we all may find a measure of redemption in listening to one another.

Margaret Edds is a former reporter and editorial writer for the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot. She is the author of several books, including We Face the Dawn: Oliver Hill, Spottswood Robinson, and the Legal Team That Dismantled Jim Crow; Finding Sara: A Daughter's Journey; and An Expendable Man: The Near-Execution of Earl Washington Jr.

Read the press release for full details.