Chattanooga, TN (February 22, 2016) --- John Stigall was a black author, poet, and spoken word artist. He served as a professor of English and Literature at Chattanooga State Community College from 1980-2001, where he was “Poet in Residence.” Stigall authored fie books of poetry and was featured in countless live performances, including radio and television appearances.

Following his retirement, the John Stigall Poetry Contest was established to honor not only the work of Stigall, but to encourage the creative writing of students enrolled at Chattanooga State.

Currently sponsored by the Humanities and Fine Arts Division of Chattanooga State Community College, the contest is held each February to honor student works during Black History Month. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three students whose selections are chosen by judges. The 2016 winners are Fabeionia Story, “Magic Eyes;” Emerald Butler, “To Truly Be Free;” and Cassidy Blair, “Hope is a Dream.”

For more information about creative writing classes at Chattanooga State, contact Joel Henderson at 423-697-4403 or visit www.chattanoogastate.edu.