Poet Grace Nichols has been awarded the 2026 Royal Society of Literature Pioneer prize, a £10,000 honor recognizing women writers over 60 who have made significant contributions to literature despite facing barriers. Born in Guyana, Nichols made her mark in the UK literary scene with her 1983 Commonwealth poetry prize-winning collection, I Is a Long-Memoried Woman. Her subsequent work, including The Fat Black Woman's Poems, has been widely acclaimed and has been set as a GCSE text for decades. Nichols has also written extensively for children and adults, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazing poet. The Royal Society of Literature's Pioneer prize celebrates women who have overcome obstacles to achieve success in the literary world. Nichols' win is a testament to her enduring impact on the literary landscape and her continued influence on writers and readers alike. Her work continues to inspire and educate, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.