On August 26, 2024, the Alabama Humanities Alliance honored musicians Brittany Howard and Jason Isbell as its newest Alabama Humanities Fellows. The event took place in the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall in Huntsville, Alabama.

Special guest Patterson Hood introduced each honoree and presented them with their awards. NPR Music’s Ann Powers led the evening’s conversation with Howard and Isbell.

The Alabama Humanities Alliance bestows its highest honor upon Alabamians who use the humanities to make our state and nation an ever smarter, kinder, and more vibrant place to live. These are individuals who challenge us to examine what it means to be human. Who provide context that helps us better understand our past and present. And who help us see our diverse communities, rich cultures, and fellow neighbors more clearly -- and with more empathy.

Howard and Isbell join the ranks of 53 Fellows inducted since 1989, including the likes of W. Kamau Bell, Fred Gray, Bobby Horton, Harper Lee, Imani Perry, Howell Raines, Jody Singer, Bryan Stevenson, E.O. Wilson, Kathryn Tucker Windham, and Odessa Woolfolk.

Learn more about the Alabama Humanities Alliance at www.alabamahumanities.org.