Oakland author Tommy Orange chosen for genius grant

Tommy Orange has been awarded a 2025 MacArthur Fellowship, recognized for his exceptional contributions to literature. The fellowship provides each recipient with an $800,000 grant, distributed in quarterly installments over five years. Orange, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, is known for his acclaimed novels "There There," which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and "Wandering Stars. " The MacArthur Foundation highlighted the diverse fields and innovative projects of this year's fellows. Kristen Mack, the foundation’s vice president, emphasized the importance of expanding knowledge and artistry through their work.

Another East Bay fellow, Teresa Puthussery, focuses on neurobiology research at UC Berkeley, aiming to address degenerative visual diseases. The fellowship program, established in 1981, selects its recipients through a peer nomination process, maintaining a level of confidentiality until the awards are announced. This year, the program continues its tradition of honoring creativity and potential for significant advances across various disciplines.