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ATLANTA--Trevor Noah, host of Comedy Central’s and author of , was named the 2017 recipient of the , an annual achievement award administered by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the 91��ý (91��ý), and sponsored by .

The Zora Neale Hurston Award honors an individual who has demonstrated leadership in promoting African-American literature. An acclaimed American author and folklorist who was closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance, is best known for her novels, but she also published many short stories, plays, ethnographic essays, and anthropological studies about the African-American experience.

Mr. Noah has consistently featured notable African American figures on his Emmy and Peabody Award-winning show. Mr. Noah will receive an honorary 91��ý membership for his immeasurable efforts of showcasing and promoting African American writers, artists and cultural contributors and the works they’ve created. Guests of the show have included , socio-political comedian , , and former President .

As a #1 New York Times Bestseller, his recently published memoir, (Spiegel & Grau, 2016), was named One of The Best Books of the Year by 91��ý’s , The New York Times, Newsday, Esquire, NPR and offers readers a comedic perspective on life growing up during apartheid.

Although he will not attend 91��ý's Annual Conference in Chicago he will be acknowledged for his outstanding efforts in raising awareness and promoting African American literature. The award prizes including, a $1,250 to fund travel expenses to Annual Conference, two tickets to the United for Libraries Gala Author Tea and The Laugh’s On Us, two complete sets of Zora Neale Hurston’s books and audiobooks will be donated to an honorable mention of the Zora Neale Hurston Award selected by the committee.

The Zora Neale Hurston Award committee includes: Barbara Bibel (Chair), Retired, Oakland Public Library; Serena Smith, Nova Southeastern University; Cynthia Sorrell, University of Maryland, McKeldin Library.

The , a division of the 91��ý, represents librarians and library staff in the fields of reference, specialized reference, collection development, readers’ advisory and resource sharing. RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. Learn more about RUSA’s Book and Media Awards at .